West Ham United are interested in signing ‘fantastic‘ Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.
David Moyes’ side would target a deal for the 22-year-old should star man Lucas Paqueta leave the club for Premier League champions Manchester City.
Forest Academy graduate Johnson scored 10 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions last season, as he played a key part in retaining the Reds’ top-flight status.
Johnson, who has a contract until 2026, has been subject to interest from Brentford already this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side having a £35 million bid rejected for the Welsh international.
Steve Cooper’s side are refusing to enter negotiations for the forward until they receive a bid in the region of £50 million.
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A potential move for Brennan Johnson
The key to note in this potential deal, is the Irons won’t make a move for the forward unless they sell Paqueta to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Should the Brazilian join the champions, the club will have recruited £190 million on him and Declan Rice this window, leaving them with a large budget to play with.
Forest are said to be open to selling Johnson this window in order to comply with FFP regulations, but would take at least £50 million before considering a deal.
The Reds’ number 20 had a difficult game at the Emirates against Arsenal on Saturday, playing in an unnatural centre-forward role, but his quality off the right-hand side is there for all to see.
He’s been a crucial part of Cooper’s side during the promotion campaign and the first Premier League season for the club in 23 years, but £50 million is a great price for the winger.
It would take a lot for the club to part with Johnson, but should the London club present a deal that matches the Reds’ valuation, he could certainly leave the club this summer to join the European champions.