Steve Cooper has insisted that Brennan Johnson has not been distracted by speculation over his future at Nottingham Forest. The 22-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea recently as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his frontline before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
football.london understands that the Blues boss wants to sign somebody who can play on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. Chelsea were once confident of securing Michael Olise's signature, verbally agreeing personal terms before proceeding to pay his release clause.
Despite the west Londoners' best efforts, a move collapsed after Crystal Palace tied him down to an extension at Selhurst Park. Now, Chelsea have a week or so to sign an alternative and Pochettino has a couple names on his shortlist.
football.london understands that Johnson is very much liked at Stamford Bridge, although it remains to be seen whether the Blues will act on their interest. With the Wales international facing a somewhat uncertain future at the City Ground, Cooper has issued update.
Ahead of Forest's clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend, the 43-year-old was asked if there have been any bids for the £25.7million-rated forward. Cooper replied: «I’m not sure, I don’t deal with that. I just deal with Brennan day-to-day.
»We’re talking a lot at the moment, but they’re normal conversations about performance and development and everything else that goes round him being at his best – or aiming to be at his best.
«That’s our plan and that’s what we do. And if we get told at some stage that things change – not just with him, with any of the players – then we’ll deal with it
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