Reputable journalist David Ornstein has expressed doubts that many clubs would be willing to pay the £50 million valuation set by Nottingham Forest for striker Brennan Johnson.
Johnson is a player strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with various reports suggesting that a deal could be completed on deadline day.
He is one of Nottingham Forest’s best players and losing him could have a negative impact on their season but they could be forced to sell him due to the Financial Fairplay concerns.
Nottingham Forest invested significantly in player signings last summer and may need to generate funds from sales to balance their financial books.
They value Johnson at £50m but Levy who is known for his shrewed negotiations will seek to capitalise on their need to sell in order to negotiate a reduced fee.
Ornstein has now shared the latest on the player’s future and the potential transfer.
While speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast he said:
“When they see a Cole Palmer going to Chelsea for £42m, £45m they aren’t going to budge easily on their £50m valuation for Brennan Johnson.
“But I don’t think anybody is going to pay £50m for Brennan Johnson. So, there could be this kind of toing and froing in the last 24 hours as to whether that balance tips, he departs because Mr [Evangelos] Marinakis needs that money to reinvest.”
Spurs too are working against the clock in order to secure the signing of a striker before the window shuts.
It will be interesting to see if a formal bid is made soon and just how much Spurs are willing to pay.
