Nottingham Forest are desperate to keep hold of star forward Brennan Johnson this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the Midlands club will look to price any would-be suitors out of a move for the 22-year-old.
Everton and West Ham are among the clubs linked with Johnson following his impressive first season in the Premier League.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that any deal will be “really hard to do” after Nottingham Forest secured their top-flight survival.
It is believed Steve Cooper is keen to build his side around Johnson as he looks to turn Forest into a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.
The Wales international signed a fresh four-year contract at the City Ground last year (2022), keeping him at the club until June 2026.
Johnson, son of former Forest winger David, came through the ranks at the Midlands giants – making his debut aged 18 in 2019.
He has gone on to make 105 appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals and registering 12 assists.
Johnson helped Nottingham Forest to survival in the 2022-23 campaign, notching 10 goals and three assists in 44 games across all competitions.
Cooper’s side are keen to kickstart their summer business after a successful return to the top flight.
Football Insider revealed last week (3 June) that club chiefs held a transfer summit in London to discuss their plans for the upcoming window.
Sources told this site on 2 June that Forest are hopeful of securing the permanent signing of Man United goalkeeper Dean Henderson – and have a deal on the table.
In other news, Celtic open striker talks as Nottingham Forest swoop.
‘We working’ – Jesse Lingard posts gym pictures from Indonesia as he looks for next club following Nottingham Forest release
- Forest released Lingard after one year
- Lingard on vacation in Indonesia
- Posted workout pictures on Instagram
WHAT HAPPENED? Lingard was released by Nottingham Forest after spending only one season with the club, who had made him their highest-earning player when he joined them last summer.
Since then, the former Manchester United winger has been on vacation, having visited Barbados before traveling to Indonesia. Lingard posted workout pictures on Instagram to show his followers that despite being on holiday, he is keeping himself fit in anticipation of his next move.
WHAT THEY POSTED:
THE GOSSIP: Lingard did not have the best of times at Nottingham Forest having only played a total of 60 minutes after the new year for the club, and scoring two goals all season, both coming in the League Cup.
He will be looking to regain his old form and prove a point at his next club, as he did back at West Ham two years ago. While no club has begun negotiations with Lingard so far, there are rumours suggesting he could move to the MLS or join a Turkish side in the summer.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT FOR LINGARD? Once his vacation is over, Lingard will hope to find a new club where he can rejuvenate himself after a disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest.
