Newcastle United are expected to make a bid for Nottingham Forest talent Brennan Johnson before Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Independent, who claim that Brentford are pushing hard to sign Johnson in the coming days.
However, the Bees are anticipating rival interest with Newcastle expected to launch a bid of their own.
Forest are seeking a fee of around £20million for Johnson, which Brentford so far haven’t been able to offer.
Their new offer hasn’t matched the asking price either, meaning there is a window of opportunity for Newcastle to swoop in.
Newcastle may have more financial muscle too thanks to PIF, and a late window battle could now take place.
Newcastle have been seeking additions in the final third of late, but a deal for Jesse Lingard looks very difficult.
Johnson is more of a wide player but can play as a number 10 if needed, offering Eddie Howe real versatility in attacking areas.
The 20-year-old has been superb this season, bagging seven goals and five assists in 28 outings for Forest in the Championship.
A Welsh international with seven caps and the son of former Forest striker David Johnson, Brennan looks to be on a path to stardom.
Johnson was electric against Arsenal in the FA Cup earlier this month, tormenting both Nuno Tavares and Kieran Tierney.
Roy Keane was hugely impressed, stating that Johnson is ‘really talented’ and Forest will do well to keep hold of him.
Johnson looks destined to play in the Premier League, and that could now happen with Newcastle.
Forest are though pushing for a play-off place under Steve Cooper and will be desperate to keep Johnson at the City Ground.
This one won’t be easy for Newcastle to pull off, but if they come in with £20million, they may just pip Brentford to Johnson’s signature.
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