Newcastle United have been tracking Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson ahead of the summer transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers correspondent Steve Kay has revealed that Eddie Howe is looking to bring in a young, versatile attacker who can play in several positions across a front three.
Johnson ticks all of those boxes and has blistering pace; something the Toon boss also values. He’s enjoyed an impressive debut season in the English top flight, bagging 10 goals in all competitions.
We aren’t the only club interested, however, with Aston Villa and Man City also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Welshman. Forest are desperate to keep a hold of their top scorer and will be in a strong position to do so should they beat the drop, but a ‘substantial bid’ would be considered, with the offer of European football likely to turn Johnson’s head.
Here’s what Steve told us about Howe’s interest and the likelihood of him leaving the City Ground this summer:
“Eddie Howe is looking for a young versatile attacking player who is Premier League proven and able to play on both wings.
“Brennan Johnson fits into that profile perfectly and has been watched by Newcastle. There are other clubs looking at him; Manchester City and Aston Villa to name two. City want a long term replacement for Mahrez and Emery is desperate to sign a winger in the window, having recently played John McGinn on the right.
“If a substantial bid arrives from a big club this summer, I’m told Forest will find it hard not to accept because of the spending power of clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle.
“The prospect of European football , possibly even playing in the Champions league, could also turn his head.”
