Thomas Frank has issued an update on Brennan Johnson amid reports claiming that Crystal Palace have agreed a £35m fee to sign the Tottenham winger.
Thomas Frank Issues Brennan Johnson Update
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has issued an update on the future of Brennan Johnson.
The Wales international has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in January, with recent reports suggesting that Crystal Palace have agreed a £35m fee to sign the winger.
Frank has reiterated that Johnson is a ‘very important’ part of Spurs’ squad. This is despite the fact that he has only started six of their 18 Premier League matches this term.
Having agreed a fee with Palace for his sale, it is now up to the 24-year-old, who scored the winner in last season’s Europa League final, whether he joins the Selhurst Park outfit or not.
Asked about Johnson in his press conference ahead of Thursday’s trip to Brentford, Frank responded: “Again, it’s the third time I’ve had that question. I won’t comment on rumours.
“Brennan has been a top professional. Trained well today and is ready in two days’ time.”
He continued: “As I said, Brennan is a very important player for us. Sometimes things change if another player comes in.
“Unfortunately, [Mohammed] Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well. So it’s been a little bit more tricky to get enough starts. He started the season also quite well from the left.
“I think Brennan has a lot of attributes. Very good running in behind, very good at scoring goals. That’s a good quality. So some of those key things is fantastic.
“Also working hard for the team, but you need more than just 11 players. That’s the way it is.”
Johnson finished last season as Tottenham’s top goalscorer with 18 goals in all competitions.
He joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £47.5m two years ago. The north Londoners will make a loss of around £12.5m should he opt to join the Eagles.
Spurs are expected to be in the market for a new attacker this January regardless of Johnson’s status, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Manchester City’s Savinho among reported targets.
Some supporters have questioned Frank’s decision to sanction the sale of last season’s top scorer, with the club languishing in 11th place with just two wins in their last nine league outings.
The Dane has been among the favourites in the Premier League sack race odds in recent weeks.
Will Brennan Johnson Join Crystal Palace?
Even though Spurs have agreed a fee with Palace to sell Johnson, the move is not yet complete.
Several outlets are reporting that the Forest academy graduate is yet to make his final decision.
It comes amid interest from other Premier League sides.
One of those is Bournemouth, as reported in Tuesday’s transfer roundup, with Johnson eyed as a potential Antoine Semenyo replacement.
The Cherries’ Ghanaian superstar is closing in on a £65m move to Manchester City in January.
Pep Guardiola’s side currently top the Antoine Semenyo next club odds market as favourites.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have been credited with interest in the winger.
Some have also suggested that his former club, Nottingham Forest, could look to bring him back to the City Ground. This scenario seems unlikely given his hefty £35m price tag, however.
As revealed in Frank’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Johnson should be involved at Brentford on New Year’s Day. Should he feature, it could be his final appearance for the club.
