Brentford make improved offer for Forest winger Brennan Johnson

Brentford have made an improved offer for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson understood to be close to their desired £18m price tag. 

The attacking midfielder is enjoying an impressive season with Nottingham Forest, having scored six Championship goals, and is interesting a number of Premier League clubs. 

The 20-year-old's current deal at Forest expires in the summer of 2023 and this new and improved bid from the Bees is closer to the £18m valuation required to sign him this month. 

Meanwhile, The Independent report that Newcastle are also expected to bid for the talented Welshman. 

This also depends on how their pursuit of Jesse Lingard develops, with pressure on boss Eddie Howe to sign more players before the end of the January transfer window. 

Forest are four points outside the play-off spots and knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup earlier this month.

Yet the Toon are battling to stay in the Premier League, while Brentford are looking to build on their promising debut season in the top-flight. 

Johnson has been linked with Everton and West Ham too in recent weeks, this clutch of Premier League clubs no doubt impressed by the youngster's raw pace, crossing ability and chance creation. 

Johnson's excellent performance in Forest's 1-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal earlier this month carried his name to an audience beyond regular followers of the Championship.