Transfer Talk: Chelsea bank on Brennan after Olise snub

Chelsea have joined the hunt for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson after Michael Olise opted to stay at Crystal Palace.

The Blues entered initial talks over signing the 22-year-old according to The Guardian, with the possibility of players heading the other way also being discussed.

Forest are said to value Johnson at around £45million after he helped them survive Premier League relegation by scoring eight goals last term.

The Welsh international notched 16 strikes in 46 Championship appearances in the Tricky Trees' promotion campaign and is considered one of the finest young talents in the top flight.

Chelsea are keen on signing another attacker after missing out on key target Olise, with Christopher Nkunku set for several months on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury.

Christian Pulisic has been sold to AC Milan, while the Stamford Bridge outfit are also aiming to offload Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi before the window slams shut on September 1.

Johnson also has interest from Tottenham and West Ham, with the battle for his signature set to intensify over the next fortnight.

In other news

Chelsea could also target Rennes winger Jeremy Doku according to 90min, while The Independent report interest from Manchester City, Tottenham and West Ham.

Forest have made a verbal £29.8m offer to sign Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, report The Athletic.

Mail Sport claim Fulham are considering a move for Arsenal's wantaway striker Folarin Balogun as Aleksandar Mitrovic prepares to leave West London.