The summer transfer window is open, which means speculation over who may be coming in at Nottingham Forest over the next few weeks. But there are also reports over who could be leaving, with Brennan Johnson a name being mentioned a lot.
The winger enjoyed a successful first season in the Premier League last season. He scored eight goals and registered three assists in his 38 appearances in the competition, helping Forest to secure survival before the final day.
Johnson did however find himself starting on the bench for two of the final three league games of the campaign, coming on as a second half substitute in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea and the crucial 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the City Ground. He did though play the full 90 minutes of the final game of the season - a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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His performances in both the Championship and Premier League in recent seasons have earned admiring glances from other teams. Forest have had to fight off interest before, and it seems it could be the same this summer.
With that in mind, here is everything we know so far about Johnson’s future and any possible transfer.
Contract situation
Johnson put pen-to-paper on a new four-year deal at the City Ground last summer, meaning that his contract situation is not something that will worry Forest. The new contract, signed after promotion to the Premier League, runs until 2026 meaning that the club are in a strong position.
Who are interested?
A number of teams have already been linked with an interest in the Forest academy graduate. Brentford have seen bids for the winger turned down in previous transfer windows and could renew their interest.
Clubs with European football to offer in West Ham and Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest. West Ham will play in the Europa League next season after winning the Europa Conference League, while Villa will be playing in the Europa Conference League after a seventh place finish.
Everton have also been reported as holding an interest, but, like Brentford, have no European football to offer.
Brentford ‘bid’ rejected
Forest have rejected a £30 million bid from Brentford for Johnson, according to The Sun . The Bees are said to have made their move earlier in the summer, but Forest will want a price much bigger than the one offered by Thomas Frank’s side.
Forest set price tag
Original reports suggested that Forest had set a price tag in excess of £40 million for Johnson this summer, but it is now reported that the price has risen to £60m. The Sun have claimed that the Reds have set that price in order to ‘put off’ clubs who are showing an interest this summer.
