Leeds United’s rumored pursuit of a new full-back is expected to meet competition. With Djed Spence returning to Tottenham, the Whites are lacking depth at full-back and have limited alternatives on both flanks.

More than 18 months after his injury, Stuart Dallas is still sidelined. Sam Byram and Junior Firpo have also experienced personal injury setbacks. Archie Gray is a midfielder by trade, but he has spent the majority of the season playing right-back. The Whites are lucky to have the young player performing so well considering their lack of depth on both sides.

With several links to full-back acquisitions this month, it appears Leeds is trying to bolster their full-back depth. Ben Johnson, a talented player for West Ham who has had difficulty getting regular games this season, is one of the players the Whites have been connected to.

Despite only being 23 years old, Johnson has already made over 50 appearances in the Premier League, and the Whites are apparently considering him as a winter alternative. However, new sources indicate that Johnson is facing more competition, meaning Leeds will probably have to fight for his signing.

TEAMtalk claims that in addition to Championship promotion candidates Southampton and struggling Premier League team Sheffield United, La Liga teams Real Betis and Villarreal are also reportedly interested. Just one point separates Betis from the top six in La Liga, where they are now ranked seventh in Europe. Villarreal, however, has had an incredibly poor season thus far, sitting in 15th position and only four points above the drop zone.

Although Johnson is probably going to go on loan this month, Leeds may still face danger from those La Liga teams because they have the financial resources to secure a permanent agreement. Leeds can afford to pay the £6 million cost for Johnson, but they don’t seem willing to spend it on a permanent signing this month. Johnson is valued at around £6 million.