Journalist: Leeds scouts have been watching £20m talent eyed by West Ham, Everton, Tottenham and Newcastle

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Pete O’Rourke has told Give Me Sport that Leeds have been watching Nottingham Forest sensation Brennan Johnson for quite some time – amid reports Newcastle, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham are all interested.

The interest in 20-year-old Johnson is hardly surprising. After starring in League One on loan at Lincoln last season – in which he was involved in 27 goals in 43 games – he has returned to Forest to sparkle during 2021-22.

The nine-time Wales international has 15 goals so far, with Steve Cooper’s side turning their season around and looking good for a Championship play-off place. The Mail say he is valued by Forest at around £20million.

Not only that, but West Ham, Newcastle, Everton and Tottenham are all keen. Now, O’Rourke claims Leeds can be added to that list with scouts said to have watched the Forest star on numerous occasions of late.

“I know Leeds scouts have been watching Johnson for a while, so I’m sure they might be thinking he could be a good addition to the team, especially if they lost someone like Raphinha,” O’Rourke said on Johnson.

Johnson to Leeds: Orta a big fan, tried to sign him at just 16

Indeed, the Leeds sporting director recently claimed Leeds looked into the possibility of raiding Forest for Johnson at just 16 – but were blocked in their attempts. Orta’s nous is clearly on point, with Johnson turning into a star.

So, can Leeds sign him now? Well, firstly, it is likely that Forest may keep Johnson if they gain promotion. But his current deal at the City Ground ends in 2023. If he is to go, which club would be best for him?

He would warm the bench at Tottenham, and probably West Ham – though Jarrod Bowen’s example shows he could replicate the ex-Hull man. Newcastle need a winger, perhaps even a couple, so a good move too.

But with Raphinha set to depart Elland Road, surely a move to Leeds where faith in youth is enormous – and the chance to play alongside Wales teammate Dan James – would be hugely tempting for Johnson.