This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Brentford's pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson has dominated this January transfer window, with the initial interest starting in the summer. 

According to The Athletic, the Bees have now submitted an offer that would break the club's record fee, proving how highly the Premier League outfit value the winger.

The report goes on to say that Brentford have been rejected on several attempts to lure the Reds into selling the 20-year-old, with a £15 million bid being turned down by the Reds.

 

 

Speaking to the BBC, Thomas Frank has recently said that Championship player are "too expensive" but the preparation of this latest bid suggests they have not given up in their pursuit.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Johnson's price tag and should the Championship outfit sell...

Declan Harte

Brennan Johnson has been incredibly impressive this season for Forest, but £18 million is a big price tag for the player.

His seven goals and five assists in the league have helped power the side into play-off contention, so it’s a matter of could the club replace that contribution with only a few days left in the window.

It’s hard to see how Forest could do that easily, so if Steve Cooper’s side want to genuinely challenge for promotion then there’s no way it could be worth it to sell mid-season.

While £18 million is a tempting figure, Forest would be better off giving the play-offs the best chance they can and taking stock in the Summer.

If the Reds don’t earn promotion then it is likely Johnson will retain his demand in a few months’ time, and thus should retain his value too.

Charlie Gregory 

There’s always going to be interest in Brennan Johnson because of his undoubted ability and potential.

Brentford upping the ante and putting more money on the table will definitely give Nottingham Forest some food for thought but who could they realistically buy with the near £20m they’d get for Johnson to replace him?

In this climate and with the amount of players available, who could they really put that fee into? There aren’t many names that spring to mind and Johnson himself has become pivotal for Forest - so if they can keep him, then they should do so at all costs.

However, it’s looking more and more likely that money is going to be thrown at Steve Cooper for the youngster - so they might have to take it while it’s there.

Ben Wignall 

If I was Nottingham Forest right now I would be doing all I can do keep Johnson.

The contract situation isn't an ideal one - it only runs until the summer of 2023 and he's turned down new ones in the past but he is so valuable to the team right now.

Six goals and six assists this season in his first year in the Championship, as well as his all-round performances, is a great effort and you can see that he loves playing for the club, but it's understandable if the immediate allure of the Premier League is a head-turner.

If it was a club like Leeds or Newcastle though I could somewhat understand if he wanted to make the jump but even if they have an offer accepted, if I was Johnson I'd be sticking with Forest until the end of the season.

Steve Cooper would be no doubt extremely disappointed if Johnson was sold at this stage of the season and if they have serious aspirations of promotion then Johnson needs to stay until the summer - even if it means giving up on a deal for Jed Wallace.