News has emerged that Middlesbrough are among a trio of clubs interested in signing highly rated young West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.
A report in 90min suggests that, as a consequence of the Harry Maguire deal being potentially resurrected in the form of a loan switch, it may signal the release of right-back Johnson to another club.
The 23-year-old, who was awarded West Ham’s young player of the year in 2020/21, would be a welcome addition in the eyes of Boro fans who had to watch their team succumb once again at the weekend, shipping another four goals in what has been a poor start to the season.
Ben Johnson could ease Boro’s right-back crisis
The north east club are yet to chalk up a victory in their opening four league games. Furthermore, their regular right-back Tommy Smith was sent off on Saturday, despite it being his first game of the season following a return from injury.
Anfernee Dijksteel, the second choice right-back, is also out through injury, so Johnson, who can also play centre-back, would bolster the squad with some much-needed quality.
Boro’s head coach Michael Carrick has already intimated that the club will be looking to secure another three players before the transfer deadline and, although he does not ‘expect’ outgoings, he conceded that anything could happen. One of the players currently at the club who has courted attention is Paddy McNair. If he was to leave, it would certainly make sense for Boro to bring in another who is as versatile as the Northern Irish international.
It may come as a surprise to some that West Ham are allowing the defender to leave London, given the impressive displays he has turned in, including games in the Europa Conference League during their successful campaign last season.
But with more players potentially arriving it would limit the chances for him to be involved. It is not clear as yet whether the player would be loaned out or whether the Europa Conference League winners would listen to permanent offers for him.
Championship sides Southampton and Birmingham are also said to be interested in the player.