Virals: West Ham have 'activated' two-year extension for Ben Johnson

West Ham have reportedly ‘activated’ a two-year extension option within the contract of full-back Ben Johnson. 

The 22-year-old was due to become a free agent at the end of the season as talks contained over a new deal. 

However, those talks came to nothing and instead the club triggered a 24-month option in the current contract to tie Johnson down until 2024. 

That’s according to a report from Standard Sport, as cited by Jack Rosser on Twitter. 

West Ham have activated a two-year option in Ben Johnson’s contract.

Talks were held over a long-term deal but came to nothing, so option taken.

His form this season has attracted admirers at Spurs, Arsenal & Liverpool #WHUFC https://t.co/NDxdjELdIq

— Jack Rosser (@JackRosser_) February 23, 2022

The report claims that Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool had all taken an interest in the London-born ace following a string of impressive performances. 

So far this season Johnson – hailed as ‘really important’ by David Moyes has made 20 appearances for the first team, scoring once in the Premier League. 

Valued at £2.7million (Transfermarkt), up until this point the talented youngster may have suffered from supreme versatility. 

Despite impressing when called upon, being capable of playing on either side as a full back and in more advanced positions has led to Johnson arguably being a victim of his own adaptability having failed to nail down a starting spot for any prolonged period. 

This new deal, combined with a dip in form from Vladimir Coufal and the dwindling contract of Ryan Fredericks, could see the Englishman given a run in a favoured right-back berth.