HIGHLIGHTS
1 In the January transfer window, Southampton are interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson.
2 If Everton loanee Mason Holgate returns to his parent club, Southampton may reconsider their pursuit of Johnson.
3 The Saints reportedly backed out of a summer deal for the West Ham player due to the amount of the loan fee.
Southampton are interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson before the January transfer deadline.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, if Everton loanee Mason Holgate returns to his parent club in the summer, the Saints could make a move for the 23-year-old.
Johnson was a summer target for Southampton
Johnson, who came through the West Ham development system, has already made 89 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring twice.
Despite this, the 23-year-old appeared as a possible transfer target elsewhere during the summer transfer window, albeit such a deal never materialized.
Southampton were one prospective destination for the defender at the time, according to a report from The Athletic earlier this year, but withdrew out due to the large loan price involved.
Now, however, it appears like a transfer to St Mary’s for Johnson could resurface when the market reopens at the end of the year.
Southampton still keen on a deal for Johnson
Everton may recall defender Mason Holgate from his loan term at Southampton in the January transfer window, citing a lack of game time for Russell Martin’s side.
Since the start of the season, the 26-year-old has only appeared five times for the Saints in all competitions.
According to the most recent update, if Holgate does actually return to Goodison Park next month, Southampton’s pursuit of Johnson might be revived.
The south coast club is reported to still be interested in the West Ham defender, and as such, he might be a viable choice to replace any future vacancy in their backline.
Johnson’s contract with West Ham expires at the end of the season, so the January transfer window could be their last chance to cash in on him.
Swift return to the Premier League a possibility for Southampton
Southampton are in position to make an instant return to the Premier League after being relegated from the top level of English football at the end of last season.
The Saints are now fourth in the second-tier league, 12 points below the automatic promotion positions but still very much in contention for a play-off spot.
Russell Martin’s team will play Blackburn Rovers at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Johnson could be a useful signing for Southampton
The signing of Johnson in January appears to be a positive one for Southampton.
The defender has previously held his own in the Premier League, suggesting he may be a viable option in the Saints’ Championship promotion campaign.
His contract predicament, as well as the fact that he has yet to make a league appearance for David Moyes’ team this season, imply that he could be a target for the Championship side once the transfer market opens.
With that in mind, this appears to be a deal that Southampton should pursue in January, especially if they find themselves needing to replace someone like Holgate at that point.
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