Leeds United and Rangers update in race for West Ham £7m star

West Ham defender Ben Johnson will prioritise increased playing time over a pay package as he looks for a new club this summer.

That's according to Sky Sports, who provided an update about the 24-year-old on Thursday evening. Johnson's current Hammers deal expires this summer and he has spurned an offer of a new five-year deal thus far.

The full-back made just 14 Premier League appearances last season with David Moyes preferring the experienced Vladimir Coufal in the right-back role. Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is now at the helm but it appears that Johnson is awaiting reassurances over game time.

An update on the Sky Sports Transfer Centre read: "West Ham United defender Ben Johnson is considering all of his options before deciding on his next move.

"A five-year contract is on the table from West Ham. A number of clubs in the Premier League and Europe have held talks with his representatives. Johnson is out of contract this summer. It's understood his final decision will not be financially motivated. At 24, he wants to play regularly and develop his game."

The defender would be available on a free transfer given his contract situation but is valued at £7 million by football database Transfermarkt.

Scottish Premiership giants Rangers were one of the first clubs linked with interest in the player. Talks between the player and the Glasgow club were believed to have opened in April but reports have since suggested that the move could be off the cards.

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Championship outfit Leeds United are another who have been linked with Johnson. Daniel Farke is in the market for a right-back this summer after Connor Roberts' return to Burnley. The club has triggered a one-year extension in Sam Byram's deal but the 30-year-old isn't thought to be seen as filling the starting berth every week.

News that Johnson will prioritise playing time over salary will be good news for any Whites interest with the Championship club perhaps not able to match his current Premier League pay packet. The Yorkshire outfit's promotion ambitions also offer the chance of a potential swift return to the Premier League.

There are top flight sides linked with the defender too. Wolves and Everton are both names that have been mentioned when the press has discussed Johnson's future.