Leeds is still looking for a new full-back after bidding farewell to Djed Spence and Luke Ayling, who are now with Middlesbrough and Genoa. Connections with the 23-year-old Johnson surfaced last week.

A product of West Ham AcademyJohnson, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign, saw just his ninth appearance of the year on Tuesday night. He replaced one player while West Ham was losing to Bristol City.

This week, it was reported that West Ham was trying to fetch a sum for Johnson, a player Stuart Pearce called “wonderful,” meaning Leeds would have to acquire him. That is in spite of the Spanish teams Betis and Villarreal’s interest.

Johnson is available for approach on a pre-contract basis, but only for English clubs.

West Ham willing to send Ben Johnson to Leeds United on loan

Leeds stands to gain from this as Hay claims the Whites would prefer to have the England U21 defender on a temporary basis, at least in the beginning. For the privilege, West Ham would need to be paid a loan fee.

Junior Firpo and Sam Byram play on the left, while Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton are the right backs for Leeds. Gray is a natural midfielder, while the other two are prone to injuries. Shackleton has also sustained ailments.

Of course, the most crucial signing will be a new left-back, but it would also be great to add a versatile player. Johnson is the guy. The ability of Leeds and West Ham to agree on a loan fee is still unknown.