Newcastle hatch plan to sign Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson as £50m transfer claims made

Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson has burst onto the scene this season as the Reds bid for promotion back to the Premier League.

He has so far recorded 19 goal contributions in 37 games this term and is attracting big interest from Premier League clubs. In January, Forest refused to sell the youngster as Steve Cooper's side chase a top six finish.

Johnson netted his 12 and 13th goals of the season in Forest's most recent win, which came against Blackpool on Saturday afternoon. His contributions helped the Red strengthen their grip on a play-off place after the 4-1 rout at Bloomfield Road.

Though, this summer, Johnson's future at the club could come into question amid strong interest from clubs in the top-flight. Fresh reports claim that Newcastle United have hatched a plan to secure his signature.

Winger Allan Saint Maximin could leave St. James' Park this summer, according to the Daily Mail in a shock transfer claim. The report adds that bids of around £50million will be considered by Newcastle as they continue to shape Eddie Howe's squad for next season and beyond.

And Newcastle have identified Forest's Johnson and Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen as wingers they would like to add to Howe's ranks. Though, they face competition for both players and Forest will put up a strong resistance to letting their 20-year-old star leave.