Ben Johnson, who is out of contract in the summer, is set to turn down one final contract offer from the Hammers as he seeks a free transfer in the summer.
Johnson has interest from a host of English clubs including Crystal Palace, Leeds and Wolves. Scottish side Rangers are now also said to have entered the race to sign the 24 year old this summer as reported by Ibrox News.
Johnson, who has been at West Ham since the age of seven, surpassed 100 first team appearances for the Hammers earlier this year. The club has made a number of contract offers to the fullback which he has rejected and it appears almost certain now that Johnson will leave the club in the summer transfer window.
There has been much speculation about where the 24 year old may end up next, with interest from a number of European teams as well as English clubs. Scottish giants Rangers have now entered the race to secure Johnson’s signature as they have a number of players out of contract in the summer and manager Philippe Clement may be looking towards a significant overhaul of his squad.
The Hammers are reluctant to lose Johnson for nothing. With his departure looking likely, Rangers are believed to have already held talks with the fullback over a potential summer move.
They will certainly have to move quickly in order to get a deal over the line. In a window where Rangers are set to lose a number of players on a free, signing someone like Johnson for nothing, with his age and versatility in mind, would certainly help boost their ranks and may well be too good of an opportunity for the Scottish side to opt against.