The Norwegian-American was watched by Derby County boss Steve McClaren last month.
Heart of the Midlothian striker Bjorn Johnsen has admitted to being encouraged by Derby County’s interest, via the Daily Record.
The Norwegian-American has impressed since arriving at Tynecastle from Litex Lovech in the summer – scoring or creating eight goals in 15 appearances – and was crowned Scottish Premiership player of the month for November.
Derby boss Steve McClaren has already admitted to watching Johnsen and three other Hearts stars – Callum Paterson, John Souttar and Jamie Walker – during last month’s win against Rangers and the 25-year-old has revealed that a move to England is his aspiration.
“Honestly, that’s what I want,” Johnsen told the Daily Record. “You always want recognition and want big clubs to come and pick you up.
“Right now, I am focused on Hearts and I can’t tell you what will happen in the future. But I am really pleased that clubs down south are looking at me. As a player, that is what my aspiration is, to play there [in England] or in another big league.”
Derby are in the hunt for a target man in January and six-foot-five Johnsen could be the perfect fit for McClaren’s men, who are set to lose Chris Martin to Fulham on a permanent basis.
The Rams are expected to receive around £9 million for that deal, which would likely leave them an excess of funds with which to buy Johnsen, should they wish to.
The Pride Park outfit, who will return to Championship’s the top six with a win against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, have also been linked with Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz.
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