Everton, Newcastle and West Ham United are among a host of Premier League clubs ready to raid Nottingham Forest for the transfer of Brennan Johnson, according to the Daily Mail.
Johnson has put a raft of teams on alert with his decisive displays at the City Ground so far this season. The 20-year-old has started 22 of Forest’s 23 Championship matches and been a versatile and creative star for former boss Chris Hughton and current coach Steve Cooper.
The seven-cap Wales international has featured across the Forest side with outings on both wings, as well as through the middle as a second-striker and an attacking midfielder. He has also offered five goals and four assists over his games, split between wide and central roles.
Johnson reacted well to Hughton’s September departure with two assists and two goals in his next five league matches. He then went nine without effecting the scoring, but has two goals and one assist in his last two. His strike on Saturday was also the winner over Hull.
Everton, Newcastle make transfer approach for Nottingham Forest’s Johnson
Everton and Newcastle admire what Johnson has shown with Nottingham Forest so far this season and have made an approach for a transfer. But they face paying the East Midlands outfit’s £20m valuation, along with fending off the Premier League competition.
West Ham are interested in exploring Johnson’s suitability for a transfer to the top-flight from Nottingham Forest. David Moyes has had a lot of success shopping in the second-tier with Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma. While Brentford have also not given up on Johnson.
Forest rejected a bid from the Bees this summer, while Tottenham are now also scouting the winger. But Everton are keen to move to the front of the queue as they seek attacking depth. While Newcastle are also ready to spend on youngsters with long-term potential.
Johnson value doubles after Championship form
Johnson’s value has doubled over the past eight-months after his start to the season in the Championship. The Athletic had cited a £10m valuation in April amid Brentford’s interest, along with competition from Burnley. They also later cited Leeds and Leicester as suitors.
Nottingham Forest held off selling Johnson, however, and have given him a chance to show his worth in the second-tier. The winger had shone in the third-tier last term, with 11 goals and 13 assists as he helped Lincoln City reach the League One play-off final while on loan.
Johnson also won the Imps’ 2020/21 Young Player of the Year award during his time at the LNER Stadium. After which, Forest Director of Professional Development Gary Brazil hailed the forward and what he can become.
“Looking forward to having Brennan back home next season,” Brazil noted on Twitter. “This young man has the potential to be an elite player at club and international level.”
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