Crystal Palace are among the Premier League sides 'keeping tabs' on Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson, according to Football League World. 

The lowdown

Johnson, who's predominantly been deployed as a central attacking midfielder, has been directly involved in six goals (scoring and assisting three each) in 14 Championships starts for Forest this season (via WhoScored).

Sports journalist Josh Bunting has hailed him as the 'shining light' in a side that's amassed only 18 points so far, while the Press Association's Phil Blanche says he 'looks destined' for the Premier League.

According to talent scout Jacek Kulig, he has a similar style of play to Leicester City's Harvey Barnes.

Johnson's contract is up at the end of next season, and for now he's valued at just £360,000 by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Palace are said to be admirers of Johnson, along with local rivals Brighton and Hove Albion and fellow top-flight outfits such as Newcastle United, Everton and Southampton.

Forest boss Steve Cooper is apparently involved in the club's attempts to tie the Welshman down to a new contract and ward off that interest.

The verdict

It seems the sharks are beginning to circle around The City Ground amid the uncertainty over Johnson's future. Palace aren't the only side sensing an opportunity.

Johnson would be another exciting Championship arrival in South London, following in the footsteps of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in terms of young attacking talent at Patrick Vieira's disposal.

If he's being compared to Harvey Barnes, then you'd think he could easily move from his central berth out to a wide role in Vieira's 4-3-3.

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