West Ham release Angelo Ogbonna after nine years as Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama talks continue | OneFootball

The Hammers have now confirmed their retained list as a new era dawns under Julen Lopetegui

West Ham remain in talks with academy graduates Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama over potential new deals, but veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna has been released.

Both Johnson and Mubama are due to be out of contract at the end of next month and, having rejected fresh offers earlier this season, were not included on the club’s retained list published by the Premier League on Wednesday.

However, negotiations are continuing with both players, who would otherwise be eligible to move on as free agents next month, though Mubama’s age means the Hammers would be entitled to compensation.

The 19-year-old was formally promoted to the first-team squad last summer having played a key part in the club’s FA Youth Cup triumph but, despite impressing then manager David Moyes, struggled to make a breakthrough.

Departure: Angelo Ogbonna made almost 250 appearances during nine years as a West Ham player

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Having made a dozen first-team appearances by the end of January, the Englishman has not featured since and is now a target for several Championship clubs.

Johnson, meanwhile, has made more than 100 appearances for the Hammers but started just four times in the league last term and a new right-back is known to be high on new manager Julen Lopetegui’s list of priorities this summer. Crystal Palace are known to be interested in the 24-year-old.

As part of a defensive revamp, Ogbonna has been allowed to leave. The Italian, who turned 36 last month, has been a hugely popular figure during his nine years in east London, making 249 appearances for the club.

Last season’s third-choice goalkeeper Joseph Anang has also been released, along with development squad players Jacob Knightbridge, Keenan Appiah-Forson and Dan Chesters plus scholars Liam Jones, Jerry Umolu, Seb Boothe and Blaise Uwandji.