Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley has told The Transfer Tavern that he would not be surprised if Brennan Johnson left the City Ground before tonight's transfer deadline.

Johnson has been one of Forest's better players in this disappointing start to the new Championship campaign, grabbing a goal and an assist in five games.

The 20-year-old attacker has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, with The Athletic reporting that Premier League new boys Brentford have had three bids rejected for the player, the latest thought to be upward of £7m.

The Athletic claim that Johnson is now likely to remain at the City Ground, but Crossley is refusing to rule anything out until the transfer window actually closes.

"If Forest want to try and progress up the league, they're going to have to try and keep him," Crossley said.

"It's much easier to keep players when the team is doing well, but when you're lingering down the bottom of the league, the likes of Brennan Johnson, don't be surprised if there's a big-money move made for him. He could be on his way and that would be a disaster for Forest."

Bottom of the league with just one point, losing a player like Johnson is the last thing manager Chris Hughton needs. With not long left until the window closes, though, Forest will be hopeful of keeping hold of their youth product.