A West Ham player who took the torch from Mark Noble is on his way out and could join Everton claims a reporter close to the board.
Everton have been linked with a number of West Ham players in recent times but their interest in one of them could pay off.
It is well known, in West Ham circles at least, that former Hammers captain Mark Noble used to set high standards behind the scenes.
Noble, now sporting director at the club since retiring last summer, would clean the changing room and leave it spotless after away games.
The West Ham legend was disgusted by the state his side had left the changing room during a visit to Sheffield United some years ago. He cleaned it up to protect the reputation of his club and did that for every game until he hung up his boots.
Everton will likely have high standards behind the scenes now that taskmaster Sean Dyche is in charge.
West Ham safe, Everton next?
The Toffees have given themselves a huge chance of survival with the 5-1 win at Brighton.
And it appears they have a huge chance to signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson too.
Utility player Johnson has thus far refused to sign a new deal with West Ham with talks off the table ever since The Athletic revealed the academy graduate had snubbed a six-and-a-half-year contract at the club.
He was heavily linked with a move away from West Ham in the January window when Football Insider claimed Everton were interested following Dyche’s arrival at Goodison Park.
West Ham player who took torch from Mark Noble on his way out and could join Everton claims reporter close to board
The move never materialised. But it could be back on this summer.
The West Ham player who took the torch from Noble is on his way out and could join Everton claims a reporter close to board.
Johnson took the mantle from Noble when it comes to cleaning the changing rooms after West Ham away games.
And he might be cleaning the away dressing at West Ham next season with Everton.
‘It doesn’t take a rocket scientist’
Claret and Hugh’s Hugh Southon is well connected with West Ham majority owner David Sullivan.
And he claims Johnson’s time at West Ham is likely coming to an end with a possible move to Everton on the cards.
“Ben Johnson looks to be on his way out of West Ham this summer,” Southon states.
“With the club now certainly safe from the drop negotiations will soon start on contract extensions and despite having an option on the academy product it looks highly unlikely he will be offered one. It isn’t rocket science working out how Moyes feels about players and with just 15 Premier League appearances behind him this term – two since March – it would be a surprise were he to stay…
“He (Johnson) won’t be alone as a likely departure – possibly to Everton.”