Aston Villa: 'Excellent' Brennan Johnson speculation causes concern at Nottingham Forest

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park… 

Alan Hutton would be thrilled if Aston Villa sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest this summer.

The Athletic reported on 7 July that Aston Villa are interested in signing the 22-year-old Wales international, who's already been the subject of a rejected £30million bid by Brentford.

It is understood that Forest want £50million for the Nottingham-born forward after he played as major role in the East Midlands club's survival in the Premier League last season.

Villa's interest in Johnson is said to be a "genuine concern" for the Reds as they look to keep hold of the Welshman and while Hutton doesn't believe he'd be a guaranteed starter at Villa Park, he would make a nice addition to Unai Emery's squad.

"Johnson would come in and make the squad stronger," Hutton told Villa News.

"I don't think he's necessarily someone who'd come in and be a regular starter every week.

"Has he got the potential to do so? Yes. He's only young.

"In his first Premier League season last year, I thought he was excellent.

"He gives you something a little different, he can be direct. He wants to score goals and can play in various positions.

"He definitely gives you that option moving forward with a view to the future.

"I don't think he'd be a regular starter from day one."

Johnson scored 10 goals and supplied three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for Nottingham Forest last season.

The 19-times Wales international played mainly as a striker but he also featured on the right-wing or as an attacking midfielder for Steve Cooper at the City Ground.

In other Aston Villa news, a youngster has his future in Emery’s hands after shining this summer.