Nottingham Forest have been handed a major boost on transfer deadline day, regarding Brennan Johnson. The Athletic claim that Brentford have been put off by the Reds’ asking price and will not be pursuing a late deal for the youngster.
The Bees have made a blistering start to life in the Premier League. They’ve claimed five points from the opening three games and are yet to taste defeat. Thomas Frank had hoped to land Johnson in a bid to bolster his attacking ranks before the deadline.
Now, the Premier League newcomers will look elsewhere. Johnson was Forest’s hero of the hour on Saturday. His late effort ensured the Reds clung onto the Brian Clough Trophy after a 1-1 draw at Pride Park. Tom Lawrence had put Derby in front.
Forest can ill-afford a major departure at this stage. With the Reds stranded at the bottom of the Championship, reinforcements are required. Plenty of activity should take place today, with incoming and outgoings expected.
Keeping hold of the 20-year-old will be a fine piece of business though. Barnsley, Leeds and Leicester have all expressed interest throughout this particular transfer window.
Johnson netted his first goal for his boyhood club at the weekend. He’ll now hope to play more football score even more between now and the end of the season. Forest are also hopeful of concluding a new contract with the academy graduate once the window has closed.
Hughton should be delighted at Forest stance on Johnson
It’s been a tough start to 2021/22 for the Forest manager. Saturday was the first time his team has avoided defeat this season and with that in mind, there is plenty of work to do.
Keeping Johnson is a big deal though. Having only just arrived back from Lincoln, it would have been a real blow to lose him so soon.
The youngster was clearly delighted to score in Saturday’s derby-day clash. His mum and dad were in the packed out away end and the pride was etched all over their faces.
As a result, Forest will now look to add some more quality on deadline day and they can breathe a huge sigh of relief over Johnson’s future.
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