Aston Villa want to sign Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson as transfer news emerges

Aston Villa want to sign Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper has reported in its Transfer Confidential that interest is growing in the Welsh international with an exit from the City Ground on the cards.

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad at Villa Park after European qualification with the Conference League coming to town next season.

Nottingham Forest are said to want six new players this summer for Steve Cooper, although exits may be on the cards as well to help fund that.

A new striker and winger are being targeted, so it would make sense if Johnson was to move on to pastures new with Villa Park a potential destination.

Flair.

Johnson was often the standout man for Forest last season, but as the season drew to a close, he fell down the pecking order behind Morgan Gibbs-White and others.

That could see him look for another move and where better than Villa? European football and working under Emery are two things that will persuade any potential signing.

Looking at the club and seeing their efforts to sign Youri Tielemans above others as well only shows the ambition to move forward and grow.

It is suggested that it could take up to £40million to get a deal over the line, and while that is doable, that money would be better off used elsewhere for a guaranteed starter.

Johnson would likely not start ahead of the likes of John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins who occupy those central attacking positions.

If a cheaper deal can be agreed, then this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

In other Aston Villa news, a ludicrous offer has been predicted from Saudi Arabia for one player at Villa Park