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West Ham tipped to 'nail down' Johnson deal by 1 January after report - pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham will want to nail down a new contract for Ben Johnson by January.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed there will be “something going on” between the club and the 21-year-old’s representatives.
The Athletic reported on Friday that West Ham resisted Premier League interest in Johnson during the summer window, with manager David Moyes giving the starlet first-team football assurances.
The report also confirmed the Hammers have the option to extend the right-back’s deal.
His contract is set to expire next summer.
He is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides in January if his contract option is not triggered.
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Whelan insisted the ‘standout’ starlet is deserving of a fresh deal at the London Stadium.
“You’d think he would be offered improved terms,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Performances are usually deserved of a new contract, and there’s no doubt that he’s standing out at the minute.
“He’s working hard, and I’m sure there’ll be something going on between Ben Johnson’s representatives and the club behind the scenes.
“They’ll want to get it nailed down as soon as possible and definitely before January.
“That’s the way West Ham are operating now, they try to nail contracts down quickly.
“Everyone seems to be getting their fair share of game time right now, which is a massive plus.
“There’s a good squad harmony there at the moment so they won’t want to lose any players who have contributed to their success so far.”
Johnson has made 27 senior appearances in all competitions for West Ham, netting one goal.
He has made three appearances in all competitions for West Ham this season, providing key backup across the back four.
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