Nottingham Forest set asking price for Everton target Brennan Johnson – report
Nottingham Forest have slapped a £14m asking price on young midfielder Brennan Johnson amid interest from Everton and others, according to the Daily Mail.
Johnson has played 25 times this season for Forest, scoring five times including two goals and an assist in his last four games for the club.
His performances have seen him linked with a move away with Everton, West Ham, Brentford and Newcastle all registering an interest. But Forest are desperate to keep him and now have slapped an eight-digit asking price on his head.
Forest rejected a £6m offer from Brentford in the summer for the 20-year-old Wales international, and are hopeful that their new asking price will put suitors off trying to take him in mid-season.
Everton are said to have kept an eye on his situation at the club but have now been given a price that could get a deal done.
Gamble
There’s no disputing Johnson’s talent as a young midfielder, but £14m for a 20-year-old who has never played at the top level is certainly a gamble.
He is very versatile, playing across the midfield and forward positions so far this season and his performances have been excellent with five goals and five assists in 24 games so far in the Championship. He was even described as ‘unbelievable‘ back in 2019 for his form as a teenager.
His finishing has certainly improved too this season, but the lack of experience isn’t something that Everton need to add to their ranks currently.
The Toffees have got plenty of young prospects in their squad and on the brink of breaking through, as shown in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Adding another player to that list isn’t a bad thing, but adding the pressure of a price tag means he will likely be forced into playing more regularly even if he isn’t necessarily ready.
In other Everton news, View: ‘Unplayable’ striker could be the answer to Everton’s goal problems in January.