Kevin Phillips has backed Leeds United to sign Nottingham Forest starlet Brennan Johnson.

The Lowdown: Leeds get ready for the 2021/22 campaign

Moving into the 2021/22 season, it will be fascinating to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s men go about improving upon their ninth-placed finish last term.

Making moves swiftly in the transfer market, the Whites have completed deals for Jack Harrison and Amari Miller respectively so far [The Athletic].

BBC pundit Phillips has now tipped the Yorkshiremen to acquire Nottingham Forest youngster Johnson and then loan him out after he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Lincoln City.

Leeds are reported to be interested in the Wales international since last month and he is currently valued at around £10m by his current employers [The Athletic].

The Latest: Phillips backs Leeds for potential Brennan swoop

Enthralled by what he has witnessed from the 20-year-old attacker, Phillips told Football Insider: “He impressed me when he played in the playoff games against Sunderland. Especially in that first game. He looked very direct and got the goal so he’s not afraid to get forward.

“He travels well with the ball and he’s only young. From a Leeds point of view, can you sign him then loan him out?

“He’s definitely got a lot of talent. If he goes to Leeds he won’t be in the first team plans, I’m sure of it.

“Bielsa can get the best out of players like that, watch this space with that one.”

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The Verdict: Brennan would be an excellent acquisition

Phillips correctly points out Bielsa’s ability to maximise the output of players within his high-octane system.

In 2020/21, the versatile prodigy, who can play anywhere across the front four, made a startling impact as he registered 27 goal contributions from 48 appearances, with 13 goals and 14 assists [Transfermarkt].

He also demonstrated his fearlessness in shooting from any angle, averaging the highest shots per game average in the entire Imps squad with 2.3 per match [WhoScored].

Possessing the ability to develop into a top attacking player in years to come, Leeds could do a lot worse than to approach Nottingham Forest regarding a potential deal for Johnson.

In other news, Leeds United’s Premier League rivals have been left ‘stunned’ after the Whites finalised a transfer deal.