Everton are now reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson, who has attracted the attention of a host of Premier League clubs.
The ‘fantastic’ attacker has been valued at £40m by Steve Cooper’s side, with West Ham United also keen on the 22-year-old’s signature.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who state that Everton have expressed an interest in the young star as Sean Dyche looks to add goals to his side.
Johnson made 44 appearances in all competitions for Forest last season, scoring 10 goals, eight of which came in the Premier League.
Indeed, Johnson showcased his ability against the Toffees during Everton’s 2-2 draw at the City Ground last March, scoring both of Forest’s goals that afternoon.
The Welsh international also contributed three Premier League assists, helping his side finish in 16th place in the table, one place and two points above Everton.
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Contracted until the summer of 2026, the versatile attacker would set Everton back around £40m, but competition from West Ham United could indeed spark a bidding war.
Everton need strength and consistency in attack and Johnson could tick those boxes
There is no doubt that Everton need to rebuild a depleted squad and must back Sean Dyche in this summer’s transfer window.
The Blues struggled for goals and creativity throughout the season, and the addition of a goalscoring midfielder would be an enormous boost.
No Everton player reached double figures for goals in the 2022/23 season, with winger Dwight McNeil ending the campaign the club’s top scorer with seven strikes.
Demarai Gray was next with six goals in all competitions, four of which came in the Premier League, though it was Everton’s forward line who struggled the most.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s limited playing time through injury saw him score just twice, while academy product Ellis Simms and the £15m Neal Maupay managed one each.