West Ham defender Ben Johnson is edging closer to an exit from the club this summer, it has been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

The Academy graduate, who joined the club when he was just 7 years old, has been in talks with the club for some time over a potential new deal, however talks have continued fail to produce a positive resolution.

It has been hoped by many connected with the club that a compromise on wages would be realised, however it has now been reported that the player is looking likely to join a London rival this summer.

Although some reports in the press suggested that Tottenham Hotspur were leading the race for Johnson’s signature, Ex has advised that it is Crystal Palace who are highly likely to sign the versatile player.

“Talks with Johnson have proven unsuccessful,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Podcast. “He’s been linked now with an exit and Crystal Palace are leading the way.

“Ledley King though, who is a relative of Johnson’s, is trying to engineer a move to Spurs.

“At this stage though it appears an agreement between the player and the south London club is at quite an advanced stage, which could sadly see Johnson head south of the river this summer, after 17 year at West Ham.”

Although West Ham will continue to try and keep Johnson, it’s now looking highly unlikely an agreement will be reached, unless there is a significant change.

Ex will keep fans up to date on the situation as it develops further, on The West Ham Way Patreon.