Everton are understood to have held positive conversations over a deal for Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson – and Newcastle United talks are coming.
That’s according to The Independent at least, who claim that the race for Johnson is well and truly underway.
It’s claimed that Brentford are leading the race and have offered terms to the winger ahead of a potential deal.
However, it’s also started that ‘productive meetings’ have been held with Everton as the Toffees chase an ambitious signing.
Talks with three other clubs are expected though. Newcastle United, Leicester City and Villarreal are all expected to hold negotiations over signing Johnson.
Brentford remains favourites with Johnson expected to cost around £20million to £25million.
Johnson has hit 15 goals and nine assists in 42 games this season, producing a superb campaign.
Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Martin Keown, the Welsh talent has terrorised defenders with his pace and dribbling ability.
Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal are a major threat to any interested club but… is there not a chance that Johnson stays put?
Nottingham Forest have been simply outstanding under Steve Cooper and are in contention for promotion to the Premier League.
Should Forest go up, Johnson should consider extending his time at the City Ground at least for another year.
Johnson’s current contract expires in 2023, meaning Forest are under some pressure this summer.
Still, we shouldn’t rule out Forest as the club for Johnson just yet.
It’s also worth adding that Johnson’s father David – a former Forest star himself – has taken to Twitter to claim that there is no truth to claims that Brentford have offered personal terms.
That at least gives some hope to Everton and Newcastle in this race, and you would have to give the edge to the latter.
Everton don’t exactly have a huge budget this summer and they are far from safe in the Premier League just yet.
Newcastle on the other hand have bags of money to spend and appear to have an exciting future ahead of them.
That has to be appealing if Johnson chooses to leave Forest, and you can expect to hear more and more about him this summer.
