According to 90min, Brentford are now in talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal for Brennan Johnson, a target for Newcastle and West Ham.
What’s the story?
Well, Eddie Howe and David Moyes could be about to lose out on the 20-year-old to Thomas Frank, as this Premier League transfer battle takes an interesting twist.
90min believe Nottingham Forest want £20m for their No.20, a figure Brentford are not willing to meet as things stand.
However, the Bees remain locked in talks with Forest, who are flying in the Championship partly thanks to Johnson’s heroics.
Under Steve Cooper, Forest have suffered just one defeat in 16 games as they sit seventh in the Championship.
Among many positives, Johnson has arguably been the standout with five goals and four assists in 20 Championship appearances this season.
It was the Daily Mail who revealed that Newcastle and West Ham are interested in the 7-cap Wales international, who Everton are also keen on signing.
Newcastle and West Ham can beat Brentford to Brennan Johnson
In our view, this is quite a simple deal for Newcastle or West Ham to do, if they have the funds – the Magpies certainly do after their takeover.
It would be more worrying if Forest issued a hands-off warning, but there seems to be a willingness to sell as a £20m price tag has been put on Johnson.
With Brentford haggling, the Magpies or the Irons could surge straight to the front of the queue if they meet that asking price.
There is also a matter of urgency attached to the transfer saga.
90min are claiming that Forest believe Johnson will sign a new contract if promotion to the Premier League is secured.
If that happens, and the Welshman thrives in the Premier League, his price tag would surely double in no time, especially given his age.
The asking price is there – all Newcastle, West Ham and Brentford have to do is meet it.
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