The Mail claim Leeds will make an offer for £20million-rated Nottingham Forest wonderkid Brennan Johnson this summer – if the Whites stay up. Leeds currently sit in 16th place, five points above the relegation zone.
However, a tough run of games is up next for Leeds – in Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. Everton boast a game in hand, while Burnley are in good form, picking up seven points from their last three league games.
Leeds are teetering, while Johnson and Forest are pushing for promotion themselves. With three Championship games left, only three points separate Forest and Bournemouth – the Cherries currently sitting in second place.
The report states that Leeds are interested in signing Wales international Johnson, who is yet to sign a new deal. His current contract ends in June 2023, and Leeds will make him a ‘prominent target’ if they stay up.
A fee of £20million will be necessary, a player Victor Orta recently admitted he tried to sign four years ago – when he was 16. Gary Lineker recently branded the Forest star as “absolutely brilliant”, after an FA Cup outing.
Leeds eye £20m Johnson: Brilliant signing if Raphinha leaves ER
Raphinha is widely expected to end his two-year spell at Elland Road this summer, whether Leeds stay up or are relegated. The Brazil international has been a fan favourite since he joined from Rennes – but is likely to go.
A substantial fee is likely to come in for the Brazilian, with Barcelona and Chelsea among those said to be interested – two of his agent, Deco’s former clubs. So, a replacement would be required, and Johnson fits the bill.
Although not Brazilian, he still boasts the flair, tricks, pace, aggression, goals and assists of Raphinha. He might be inexperienced, but he would be a brilliant signing – given he would be for the long-term at Elland Road.
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