Chelsea are targeting a move for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson after the club’s failed move to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.
Johnson has been placed on Chelsea’s shortlist to strengthen in the final third and the Blues are understood to have held initial talks with Forest over a deal for the Wales international.
Brentford, Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old this summer, who is valued in the region of £45m at the City Ground.
Johnson impressed after Forest’s promotion to the Premier League last season, with the versatile attacker scoring eight goals and providing three assists as Steve Cooper’s side avoided relegation.
The Guardian are reporting that Chelsea are exploring the prospect including players in part-exchange in a bid to reduce Johnson’s fee.
Chelsea’s interest in the Welshman comes after the club’s failed bid to sign Olise. Chelsea had activated the £35m release clause in the winger’s contract at Crystal Palace, but the Frenchman has since turned down the move to sign a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park.
Palace are believed to have considered legal action against Chelsea for their approach having been unhappy with how their London rivals approached the deal.
