Southampton have enquired about West Ham defender Ben Johnson, a report from Football Insider has claimed.
Southampton are in the market for a couple more new signings before the window slams shut on September 1st. Russell Martin’s side have started the season well, but a new face or two would really see the Scot stamp his mark on the squad.
Plenty of names have been linked with the Saints and now, a new rumour has emerged from Football Insider.
They claim that Southampton have made an enquiry over West Ham defender Johnson.
The 23-year-old has played 87 times for the Hammers since coming through the youth ranks but he’s found himself playing more of a supporting role at times. His deal is up next summer too, meaning they could lose the England youth international for nothing.
It is said that Southampton want another full-back after losing Tino Livramento and Johnson is high on the list of targets.
Is a full-back needed?
Johnson is naturally a right-back and while Livramento has gone, Southampton still have two solid options there.
Kyle Walker-Peters is a player far above Championship level and James Bree is a solid deputy. Unless one of those two is to move on, Johnson probably isn’t needed on the right, barring any plans from the Saints to let Walker-Peters or Bree go.
The London-born defender is also capable on the left, but a new signing isn’t needed there either. Ryan Manning will likely be the go-to on the left after his arrival from Martin’s former club Swansea City and Romain Perraud remains an option.
Johnson would be a good signing at Championship level but unless someone is sold before the end of the window, it feels like a bit of an unnecessary addition. Time will tell how the situation pans out though with just over a week left before deadline day.
