West Ham legend Carlton Cole says he's 'hurt' that Ben Johnson is leaving the Hammers - and he would be a 'great signing' for Ipswich Town.

West Ham confirmed earlier today that versatile defender Johnson, 24, will leave the club this summer. He turned down a new five-year deal earlier this month.

He's been linked to a host of clubs, but Town are in advanced talks to sign him as a free agent after his contract expires today.

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And pundit Cole, who spent nine years at the Hammers, told Gambling.com that he's sad to see Johnson - a product of the club's academy who's played more than 100 senior games -  depart.

Ben Johnson is set to sign for Ipswich Town as a free agentBen Johnson is set to sign for Ipswich Town as a free agent (Image: PA Images)
He explained: "Ben Johnson is from the youth team, a great academy product but he probably feels that he’s not been valued fairly.

"If a player starts to feel like that, it's a bit of a dead-end relationship.

"I think at the same time, when you look at what he’s achieved and the fact he can play in different positions - like in midfield as we found out last season - it just shows he is a very handy player."

Of Johnson, who is primarily a right back, Cole continued: "I think Ipswich have got themselves a great signing there.

"He’s a great player who can play on the right, can play in central midfield, and he can go forward as well.

"He is an England Under-21 international so he’s progressed really well and I just feel a bit hurt that he’s about to depart the club because he’s a great lad."

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Cole also discussed ex-Town star Flynn Downes, who spent last season on loan at Southampton from the Hammers.

The Saints, who also secured promotion to the Premier League, are said to be trying to sign him permanently - although Town have also been linked to a move to bring the £15m-rated midfielder back to Suffolk.

But Cole said he hopes Downes stays at the London Stadium.

Town have also been linked to a move for academy product Flynn DownesTown have also been linked to a move for academy product Flynn Downes 
"Flynn is a massive West Ham fan first and foremost so it really depends what he wants to do," he explained.

"I feel once you’ve gone and done well on loan by playing week in week out and being the key man like Flynn has done at Southampton, then you deserve another chance to show what you can do. 

"However, is he going to get the game time he deserves at West Ham by coming back? It really depends what conversation he has with (Julen) Lopetegui and that is when he will ultimately make that decision. 

"I’d personally love to have him back at West Ham. He’s shown that he can play at a good level and he’s built his experience playing regular football which has done him a world of good. 

"If he wants to stay at the club we’ll all support him and we’ll try to get him as close to the first team as possible.”