Newcastle transfer news: Fresh claim emerges over £20m Magpies target

Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson was not hugely disappointed that his move to Brentford failed to materialise in the January transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has been linked with several Premier League clubs in recent weeks after excelling under the tutelage of new manager Steve Cooper, including Newcastle United.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton and West Ham United joined Newcastle and Brentford in the race for Johnson’s signature last month following his impressive form.

However, The Independent revealed how the Bees were the only side to make a formal offer for the £20 million-rated Wales international and that their approach was expected to spark a response from Newcastle.

A recent report in The Telegraph also claims that the west London outfit first submitted a bid of £15m plus two players, striker Marcus Forss and left-back Dominic Thompson.

The report goes on to state that a second approach was also rejected after Brentford submitted an £18m offer which included a 15 per cent sell-on clause and were convinced this would be enough to close a deal.

But Forest held firm as they continue to fight for promotion at the top of the Championship table, and Jones has revealed Johnson wasn’t left too frustrated by their firm stance.

What has Jones said about Johnson?

Brentford were promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history last season, and Jones believes bigger clubs will be interested in the youngster once again.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I mean, probably, yeah (There will be bigger clubs than Brentford interested in him). But Brentford were very