Tottenham get Johnson boost but could face race to complete £50m transfer

29 August 2023 , 20:00

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Forest are demanding close to £50m for Brennan Johnson

Tottenham have been left a clear run at signing £50m Brennan Johnson - but any deal could go right to the wire.

Brentford have had two bids rejected by Nottingham Forest and are now looking at other targets as they look to strengthen before the transfer window shuts on Friday.

Chelsea have also been interested and it remains to be seen whether they return with firm interest as they are determined to strengthen their forward line.

Forest are demanding £50million for the Wales forward who is also thought to favour a move to Tottenham to work under their new head coach, Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham want to strengthen their forward line after selling Harry Kane and Johnson’s versatility and work rate also appeals.

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But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is famed for pushing deals to the limit and driving hard bargains which may see a race to get the deal done.

Tottenham also want to trim the squad to keep dressing room harmony as Postecoglou looks to build on their impressive start to the campaign. One potential big departure could be Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is interesting Manchester United.

Join the debate! Do you think Johnson would be a good signing for Spurs? Let us know here.

Brentford have pulled out of the race for Tottenham target Brennan Johnson (Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper insisted last week that it was business as usual with Johnson despite the growing speculation over his future. He said last Thursday: “I’m not sure, I don’t deal with that [speculation]. I just deal with Brennan day-to-day.

“We’re talking a lot at the moment, but they’re normal conversations about performance and development and everything else that goes round him being at his best – or aiming to be at his best.

“That’s our plan and that’s what we do. And if we get told at some stage that things change – not just with him, with any of the players – then we’ll deal with it then.

“But I can imagine there is speculation around Brennan. I don’t pay attention to it myself. He’s a really talented young player and the exciting bit is that he’s got a lot more to come as well.

“We love working with him as a player, we love him as a boy and, like I say, day-to-day we’re really enjoying continuing to work with him and everybody else.”

John Cross