Report: Everton and Vieira want Forest maestro but Steve Cooper wants to keep him

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Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson had been attracting admiring glances from Everton and Crystal Palace, according to Football League World.

The 20-year-old was in fine form on Friday as the Reds fought back to earn a point against QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Jack Colback’s late effort secured the victory but it was arguably Johnson and his brilliance that caught the eye of supporters.

He has grown into the 2021/22 campaign and looks to be developing into a fine player.

Although it’s currently benefitting Forest, a problem is certainly beginning to develop.

The Reds must be worried about how long they can keep hold of their prized asset and more clubs appear to be growing interested by the day.

Johnson is under contract until the summer of 2023. Forest are working on tying him down to a new deal, although they may be powerless to prevent him from leaving.

The report claims that Steve Cooper is desperate to tie down the player to a new deal to keep him at the City Ground.

In hindsight, however, all Forest are able to do is potentially secure Johnson’s transfer fee for another couple of years.

Future star: Forest must protect Johnson value

The Reds have raised some serious money from selling their talented academy starlets over the years, but Johnson might just be the best of the lot.

Matty Cash went for £16 million and with Johnson being a threat at the other end of the pitch; he could help Forest recoup more than the fee which Aston Villa paid for the right-back.

Cooper has done plenty of good things since checking in at Forest. Getting Johnson to sign a new deal at the City Ground will almost certainly be his best decision to date.