Johnson extension means just one thing

West Ham’s decision to extend Ben Johnson’s contract by the two year option means one thing – they have been unable to agree a new long term deal with the player’s representatives.

We reported a few weeks ago, having spoken to a key insider. that his agents were becoming ” difficult” and it appears that little has changed following today’s news that he will remain at the London Stadium on the basis of the two year option.

Like Declan Rice before him, talks will continue between his side and the club as a suitable deal is sought with a fresh round pf discussions likely to be held towards the end or the season or later in the summer.

Johnson has become the second member of the youth programme to break into the first team squad as the club see investment in that are paying dividends with Grady Diangana of course fetching a transfer fee of £18 million from West Brom.

But they will be aiming to agree at least a four year stay for the right back when talks resume.