Barnsley have an offer ready to rival Leeds United to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.
The Championship side are prepared to pay up to £2m for the 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan with League One side Lincoln City. Johnson shone during his time with the Imps, whose promotion bid fell short in the play-off final against Blackpool.
Lincoln took the lead at Wembley in May through an own goal from Ollie Turton within seconds off kick-off, when the defender turned the ball into the net from Johnson’s cross. And the two-cap Wales international also played a big role in the Imps reaching the final.
Johnson registered 13 goals and 14 assists across all competitions last season, including 11 and 13 respectively in League One. He has now returned to Nottingham Forest, where the left-forward has two years remaining on his contract.
Barnsley hope an offer worth up to £2m is enough to tempt Nottingham Forest to sell their academy product. But the City Ground natives are likely to wave the bid away, as The Athletic previous cited a £10m valuation.
Yet the Tykes’ offer could see a bidding war erupt, with several suitors keeping tabs on the situation. Leeds, Leicester and newly-promoted Brentford represent the Premier League interest in Johnson, who Nottingham Forest may have to sell to balance their spending.
Leeds have been monitoring Johnson for several months, with The Athletic noting interest in January. It was also noted that Burnley and Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise were also considering bids. Plus, that Forest would prefer to not sell to a Championship rival.
Leeds can sign ‘elite’ potential in Nottingham Forest winger Johnson
Leeds still have time on their hands to sign Johnson with Nottingham Forest unlikely to accept Barnsley’s cut price bid. A £2m fee would be shocking for a player of the 20-year-old’s potential, especially after his prolific season with Lincoln.
His resounding performances for the Imps were also likely just the start of many sensational showings to come. Johnson had only featured in eight senior fixtures, opening five, before moving to the LNER Stadium. But he flourished from the off in first-team football.
Nottingham Forest’s Director of Professional Development Gary Brazil was thrilled to see Johnson also be named as Lincoln’s Young Player of the Season. He took to Twitter to react to the award in May, noting: “Looking forward to having Brennan back home next season. This young man has the potential to be an elite player at club and international level.”
Leeds still have the chance to sign the elite player in the making. But Barnsley’s offer could spark more suitors to contact Nottingham Forest and discuss their interest in Johnson.
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