Fulham are reportedly interested in signing Ipswich Town defender Ben Johnson.
The Cottagers are believed to be keen to sign a new right-back, with uncertainty surrounding Kenny Tete‘s future at Craven Cottage.
Tete is out of contract at the end of the season, and it is currently unclear whether he will sign a new deal with the West London club.
Even if Tete commits to fresh terms, Fulham could still look to add strength in depth to their full-back options, especially if they are able to secure European football for next season.
Marco Silva‘s side have already been linked with a potential move for Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters, who is set to become a free agent this summer.
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Fulham identify Johnson as Walker-Peters alternative
In fact, there is a belief that Fulham will look to open talks with the 28-year-old at the end of the season about the prospect of joining the club on a free transfer.
Fulham could offer Walker-Peters the chance to continue his Premier League career following Southampton’s relegation, but it appears that are also considering an alternative target at another relegated club.
According to journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are showing an interest in signing Johnson from Ipswich in the summer transfer window.
In contrast to Walker-Peters, Johnson has a contract with the Tractor Boys until June 2028 after only joining the club last summer.
As a result, it would take a ‘substantial bid’ for Ipswich to consider sanctioning a sale, especially as he is believed to be in Kieran McKenna‘s plans for next season.
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Who is Fulham’s new transfer target?
Johnson rose through the youth ranks at West Ham, before going on to make 109 competitive appearances for the first team.
The 25-year-old left the Hammers at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, paving the way for him to join an Ipswich side that had just won promotion to the Premier League.
Johnson has not always been a regular starter on McKenna’s side, demonstrated by the fact he has started just 14 of his 22 Premier League appearances this term.
With that said, he was given the chance to feature in the starting lineup in five consecutive Premier League matches, before he was sent off in the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Fulham may view Johnson as someone who can add valuable depth to their squad rather than being a first-choice option at right-back.
However, it seems they may find it difficult to prise him away from Portman Road unless they pay a considerable fee.
