Southampton want to sign third West Ham United player this summer after Downes and Ings

Southampton want to sign West Ham defender Ben Johnson when his contract expires at the London Stadium, according to The Mirror.

Writing on their website (31 May), the news outlet report that the newly-promoted Saints have looked at the versatile defender as he will be available on a free transfer from July 1st.

Russell Martin also wants to bring back Flynn Downes on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell at St Mary’s last season [The Athletic, 15 May], while striker Danny Ings is also seen as a target to bolster the front line with Che Adams expected to leave the club [talkSPORT, 28 May].

West Ham United squad set for big changes this summer

The Hammers are expecting to see big changes within their squad this summer, with David Moyes replaced by Julen Lopetegui in the dugout.

Several players are expected to come in with bids tabled for a couple of attackers, while there are expected to be some exits when contracts expire too.

Downes is likely to get a chance to impress the new manager during pre-season before a decision is made on his future, while a deal for Ings to leave is likely considering he has managed just a handful of goals since joining from Aston Villa.

West Ham United defender Ben Johnson

But with Johnson all but certain to leave when his contract expires, the Saints are keen to take him down south and add Premier League experience to their squad.

There’s not much the Hammers can do, but losing three players that they don’t consider to be good enough to be regular starters isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

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