EXCLUSIVE: Everton to make move to sign versatile West Ham defender in January as Blues reignite interest in player with Sean Dyche looking to bolster defensive ranks ahead of crucial second half of season
Everton reportedly remain interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson who is yet to agree a new deal at the club.
According to a report from Claret and Hugh, the Toffees are interested in signing the full-back who looks to leave either in January or next summer.
Sean Dyche is looking to bolster the squad in the January transfer window as he could be interested in signing Johnson who has become a fringe player at the club.
The 23-year-old defender is on £20k-per-week wages at the club, and he is demanding around £60k-per-week which the Hammers are reluctant to offer him at the moment.
Earlier this month, Sunday Mirror journalist, Darren Witcoop reported that Southampton, who tried to sign him before, want to add him to their ranks in January, and could make a move for him next month.
“We have been told that they are looking for £60k a week which the club are simply not willing to pay to a player who remains on the fringes of the first team at best,” wrote C & H.
“Everton are believed to be maintaining an interest in the defender who celebrates his 24th birthday next month.”
Johnson is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back, right-back and also as a left-back. It’s quite surprising that he has dropped down the pecking order at the club and David Moyes has used him sparingly this season.
He has yet to start a Premier League game this season and has barely played in other competitions. This is possibly an indication that the club probably would be willing to offload him.
While Everton do have loads of options in their centre-back areas, they really can afford to sign one full-back. Seamus Coleman is approaching the fag end of his career, and Dyche needs young players to fill his void.
Likewise, Vitaly Mykolenko is outstanding at left-back but there isn’t enough solid cover for him. Johnson has got loads of Premier League experience and he could be available at a decent price as well. He could be a perfect fit for the Toffees.
