Aston Villa and Brentford have been told they must stump up £60million if they want to sign Wales star Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest this summer.
The attacker, who featured for Rob Page's side in Wales' recent Euro 2024 qualifiers with Armenia and Turkey, has been the subject of transfer interest from the Bees already this summer, with a £30million offer said to have been rebuffed by City Ground chiefs.
The Sun now report the Reds have slapped a price tag double that valuation around Johnson's neck to ward off other top-flight clubs in a stark transfer jolt to Forest's rivals.
Johnson notched up eight goals for Steve Cooper's side last season and was instrumental in helping the club beat the drop. Across 38 appearances he registered three assists too.
The Reds hope by putting a £60million fee on Johnson's head that they'll "put off" would-be suitors.
Page has already told his star man to trust those around him this summer amid speculation surrounding his future.
"He is a great lad and I think he has got a great support network around him. I know his dad, I've played against his dad," Page said ahead of the qualifiers earlier this month.
"I was impressed with the way they conducted themselves in January (2022) when his head could have been turned and he could have had the opportunity to go to what was so-called a bigger club. He didn't and I thought he made the right decision for his development.
"I trust the people around him to give him good advice. He is a level-headed lad. He's sensible and his full focus will be on this game on Friday."
NottinghamLive podcast pundit Darren Fletcher said last week that Brentford's reported £30million offer for the attacker was "a disgrace".
"I thought when I saw the offer I thought someone was taking the mickey," he said. "If Anthony Gordon cost £55million (it was a reported £45million) then how is Brennan Johnson worth £30million? Compare the stats and what Brennan Johnson has done as a Premier League player compared to Anthony Gordon.
"If anyone wants to take Brennan Johnson from here they've at least got to get to Anthony Gordon money.
"If they don't then I think the club would be mad to entertain it. The most valuable commodity in any Premier League team is goals. Forest have a player with huge potential. Brennan can affect a game and win you one. It's a laughable offer.
"If a top six club comes in with an offer of £55million or more then you might be obliged to have a conversation, but where it is right now is a disgrace and they shouldn't entertain it. I doubt the owner entertained the call from Brentford.
"I think Brennan is better off having at least another year here. Hopefully longer. He's got huge respect here. He's just bought a house and I don't think too many players are looking to get out. There's no team in the Premier League where the players walk out and get the welcome and love they get here. I think that matters to all of them. I'd be very surprised if Brennan Johnson is knocking on the door asking to go anywhere else."
