Man City eyeing Brennan Johnson transfer

Manchester City are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, according to transfer expert Steve Kay.

The Lowdown: City looking to strengthen

After a quiet January transfer window, Man City are looking to strengthen in a range of different positions this summer, recently being linked to RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol as a ‘priority’ signing.

Pep Guardiola is also looking at new options at full-back, with Joao Cancelo ‘definitely‘ poised to leave the club in the next window, and Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell has been identified as a potential target.

In terms of attacking areas, Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is being eyed by transfer chief Txiki Begiristain as a result of his fantastic performances in Serie A, however, there is also a suggestion that City could look to bring in a player from closer to home…

The Latest: Johnson targeted

Taking to Twitter, Kay detailed that a Nottingham Forest ace could be in Guardiola’s sights for a summer transfer swoop after conducting multiple scouting missions.

The transfer expert said: “Manchester City have been keeping a very close eye on the Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson. Scouts have been sent to watch Johnson on numerous occasions this season according to sources. Pep would see him as a future replacement for Riyad Mahrez.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Sabri Lamouchi, the 21-year-old played a vital part in Forest’s promotion from the Championship last season, weighing in with 19 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and he has adapted well to life in the Premier League.

In 26 top-flight outings this season, the versatile forward has scored seven goals, while also bagging two assists, despite playing in a struggling side who look certain to be involved in the relegation battle at the back end of the season.

These performances pose the question of how prolific the starlet could be in a team competing at the top end of the table, and with Mahrez now at the age of 32, it is undoubtedly time Guardiola starts thinking about a long-term replacement.

Kvaratskhelia is another interesting option for the Sky Blues, ranking in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, averaging 0.56, compared to a figure of just 0.08 from Johnson.

However, with Napoli placing an enormous £150m price tag on the Georgian, City may need to consider options, and the Nottingham Forest ace is showing signs that he could go on to be a top player.