Everton transfer news as Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson wanted
Everton are interested in signing Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson with fellow Premier League outfit West Ham also on the hunt for the Welshman, according to the Daily Mail.
The 22-year-old, dubbed “wonderful” by his international boss Rob Page, enjoyed a tremendous first season in the English top-flight, helping his club to Premier League safety as well as scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 38 games.
The Toffees have been linked with the talented and rapid forward in the past, with the club reportedly ready to seal a £20m move after Forest completed their playoff final exploits in 2022 [Daily Mail, 27 May].
And according to a latest report from the Daily Mail [6 June], Everton faces a battle with West Ham for the Welsh international, with Forest valuing their starman at £40m should any bids be placed this summer.
“Everton and West Ham could be braced to battle it out in the boardroom in an attempt to beat each other in the race to land Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson in the upcoming transfer window.
“Everton are keen to reinforce their squad during Sean Dyche’s first summer in charge and have identified Johnson as a potential new addition”, the report writes.
Big-money addition
£40m may be a lot of money for Everton to exploit during the off-season, given their financial difficulties and the investment in their brand new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium development.
However, when a player stacked with Johnson’s tremendous and electric qualities becomes available for such a figure, Premier League teams will be silly not to take a £40m chance on him.
The 22-year-old would be an instant hit inside Goodison Park and would represent the kind of addition that could revive their flamboyant exploits in the Premier League again.
Fans desperately need excitement once again, and a player who can lift bums off seats and Johnson is certainly that calibre of player.
However, with West Ham also in the mix for the talented forward, it will be difficult for Everton to pull off such a move, especially if the Hammers win the Europa Conference League which will hand them European football next season. Johnson will be tempted by such a step up in his career.
Whatever happens though, Dyche can certainly signify his Everton intentions by going all out to acquire Johnson’s services, especially given their incredibly depleted attacking weaponry.