Ipswich Town transfer rumour: Blues eyeing Premier League defender

Ipswich Town are interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson this summer, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Johnson, 24, is out of contract at the Hammers and could make a move to Suffolk as a free agent.

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The right-back came through West Ham's academy and has since played more than 100 games for the club, including seeing action in the Premier League, Europa League and Conference League.

Johnson, who can also play at left-back, was part of the West Ham squad which made history by winning the Conference League in 2023.

The former England U21 international, who's scored twice for the Hammers, made 24 appearances for the club last season.

It's been reported by the Athletic that West Ham have offered him a new five-year deal, while Championship side Leeds United are also said to be interested in recruiting the young defender.

MORE: How we'll be covering the transfer window this summer

Ben Johnson has played more than 100 games for West Ham (Image: PA Images)
Mark's verdict

The Blues do look light at full-back going into a summer of preparing for the Premier League.

Right-back will surely be an area they want to strengthen, with Axel Tuanzebe - who's more of a centre-back - finishing last season as the starter and previous incumbent Harry Clarke battling issues with his Achilles. He had surgery back in May.

Over at left-back, Leif Davis is the unquestioned starter - but has no obvious back-up. Youngster Cameron Humphreys figures to be second on the depth chart as it stands.

So Johnson looks like he'd tick a lot of Kieran McKenna/Mark Ashton boxes - he's young, versatile and already has plenty of top tier experience, plus the Blues wouldn't need to pay a fee.

This one makes a lot of sense.