Burnley are thought to have watched Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson during his impressive loan spell with Lincoln City in League One, according to The Athletic.
Johnson was sent out on loan by Nottingham Forest last summer and it proved to be an excellent decision for his development. The attacker managed to register 11 goals and five assists in his 43 league games in the regular campaign to play a key role in helping the Imps make it all the way to the League One play-off final.
The Athletic’s latest report now reveals that Burnley took a look at Johnson’s performances for the Imps during the campaign. That comes with the Clarets fielding interest from other clubs in Dwight McNeil and, if he were to be allowed to leave Turf Moor this summer, that might open the door for a move for the Nottingham Forest attacker.
It has previously been reported by The Athletic that both Brentford and Leeds United might be interested in making a move for Johnson as well.
That suggests that Nottingham Forest might face a battle on their hands to keep hold of the 20-year-old, who is sure to be heavily in Chris Hughton’s plans for next season as he aims to build a side capable of challenging for promotion.
The verdict
Johnson is a player that has a lot of potential and he started to deliver upon that during his loan spell with Lincoln. Michael Appleton was able to find a way of getting the best out of him, utilising his talents and improving his decision-making and final product in the final third.
Burnley are likely to have been impressed with what they saw when watching the attacker at Lincoln, and with the Clarets keen to make improvements to their squad this summer he could be an excellent addition. The 20-year-old might not be ready to make an immediate impact in their starting line-up but he has the potential make a real impact in the coming years.
Nottingham Forest have to do all they can to keep hold of Johnson you feel, as he could be integral to them mounting a promotion push next term. The 20-year-old looks ready to step into their side in the Championship and could be exciting to watch if he sticks around. Hughton’s side could be set for a nervy summer though if Burnley come in with an offer.