Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson will be among the names discussed in a Newcastle United recruitment meeting next week, according to reports.
The 20-year-old has been in fine form for the Reds this season. He has been integral to their rise up the table under Steve Cooper and has hit double-figures with 12 goals so far.
Johnson has had a string of admirers since last summer, after he returned from a sparkling spell on loan at Lincoln City. And Brentford tried their best to sign him in January, with Forest rejecting what would have been a club record fee for the Nigel Doughty Academy graduate.
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The Magpies were also said to have been weighing up a bid in the last transfer window. According to the Daily Mail, their interest has not gone away.
With Premier League safety almost secured, it is said Newcastle will hold a recruitment meeting at the end of this month to set out what positions need strengthening. Johnson is reportedly among the names set to be discussed, along with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma and Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen, as boss Eddie Howe looks to bolster his midfield and attack.
It is said: “Newcastle have funds but do not wish to overspend and face competition from bigger clubs competing in Europe so are being realistic over who they can pursue and who will come.”
Johnson will have 12 months to run on his current contract at the City Ground come the end of this season. Talks have been held over a new one, but so far an agreement has not been reached.
Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, West Ham United, Burnley, Leeds, Leicester City, Barnsley, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Brighton have previously been credited with an interest in the Wales international.
