Nottingham Forest have opened talks with 18-year-old Brennan Johnson over a new long-term contract at the club for the midfielder, a report from the Daily Telegraph has claimed.

Having previously impressed for the club's youth team, Johnson has now broken into the club's senior side under new manager Sabri Lamouchi this season.

The teenager has made substitute appearances in the 2-1 league defeat to West Brom and 1-0 Carabao Cup first-round win over Fleetwood Town, before being handed his first start for the club in the 3-0 win over local rivals Derby County in the second round of the Cup.

Johnson, who is the son of former Forest striker David Johnson, is now thought to be in discussions over a long-term deal at the City Ground, as the Championship side look to secure his services for the foreseeable future.

It was recently reported by The Daily Mirror that England manager Gareth Southgate is keeping tabs on the progress of Johnson as a potential option for the future.

[ad_pod ]

Johnson previously represented England at Under 16s and Under 17s level, but has since switched his allegiance to Wales, featuring for the Welsh Under 19s side before scoring on his debut for their Under 21s team during the recent September international break.

The Verdict

I think this is a very smart move from Forest.

With Johnson already showing the sort of potential he is at the age of just 18, it does make sense for the club to look to secure his future at The City Ground, in order to make sure they are the ones who benefit from that.

Indeed, with England and Wales already seemingly scrapping over his services, getting this deal signed before Johnson becomes the subject of similar interest at club level could be important for Forest's plans going forward.

Considering the interest Johnson is attracting right now, you feel the midfielder will be brimming with confidence as he looks to impress even more this season.