West Ham United want to sign Brennan Johnson as Lucas Paqueta transfer saga continues
West Ham are interested in signing Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson as they assess their options ahead of Lucas Paqueta’s potential move to Manchester City, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper shared on 15 August that David Moyes has his sights firmly set on Johnson, and it is thought a package deal of £45million would be enough to persuade Forest to cash in.
It is reported that Nottingham Forest rejected a £35million bid from Brentford earlier in the transfer window, and will look to maximise Johnson’s price, as he still has three years remaining on his current deal, amid interest from Tottenham.
An exciting option
Johnson has caught the eye of some of England’s top clubs after he returned double figures for goals in his first Premier League season last time out. He is seen by Moyes as the ideal option to replace Paqueta’s output in the attacking third of the pitch.
The Welshman is able to play across the front line, largely featuring as a winger during their time in the Championship, but more recently playing up top in a two-man pairing with striker Taiwo Awonyi.
His ability to play as a striker will also make the deal tempting for the Hammers, who are looking to recruit in that area after selling Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, while Michail Antonio has been heavily linked with a move away from East London, which would leave the club with only Danny Ings on their books.
West Ham aren’t exactly strapped for cash, having sold Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105million earlier in the window before Scamacca brought in a further £20million, and any deal for Paqueta to join Manchester City would see a further fee upwards of £80million.
As a result, the £45million potential fee for Johnson will be very achievable if West Ham want to get the deal over the line.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Paqueta’s move.