Crystal Palace backed to ‘accelerate’ Brennan Johnson move after Tottenham offer news
Crystal Palace are preparing to step up their interest in Tottenham star Brennan Johnson as they aim to make a strong start to the January transfer window.
That is according to former Tottenham and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Spurs could soon give the green light for the 24-year-old to leave.
The Wales international has featured 19 times under Thomas Frank, with 10 of those appearances coming from the start, but questions linger about his long-term role.
As a result, the Eagles are preparing to make a move as Oliver Glasner targets attacking reinforcements amid an unprecedented level of fixture congestion in South London.
Ismaila Sarr’s participation at AFCON with Senegal has further weakened the Eagles’ front line, while a lack of depth has made Palace’s priorities clear.
Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace development expected
Brown told Football Insider on 14 December that Tottenham are bracing for offers for Johnson and would be prepared to let him go either on loan or permanently.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that while Palace are considering a number of targets, Johnson is high on their list.
“I’m sure Tottenham will consider offers to let Brennan Johnson go,” he told Football Insider.
“It could be on loan, or it could be permanent, because both of those would suit Tottenham for different reasons, so it will depend on the buying club and what they’re after.
“Palace have been watching him, he’s high on their list of targets.
“So if they get the green light from Tottenham, he’s somebody they could be tempted to make a move for, because he plays in a position where they don’t have many options.
“They want to strengthen, the manager has been calling for it publicly, and if they want to back him they’re going to want to do it early.
“I think they have to be careful, because of the type of player he is, he doesn’t necesarrily fit everywhere.
“If they think he’d be a good fit for the role they want him to play, then go for it, because as I say, I expect Tottenham will be willing to let him go.“
Crystal Palace accelerating January transfer plans
Football Insider revealed in August that Glasner was left frustrated at Crystal Palace as a result of their slow start to the summer transfer window.
Since then, the boss has made clear his desire to strengthen his squad in the mid-season window if he is to lead Palace to further success after their FA Cup victory.
Glasner has previously spoken out confessing he would like to add more players to his squad in January to enable further rotation and allow him to rest key players.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in September that Crystal Palace must match Glasner’s ambitions if they want him to agree a new contract.
Speculation about the boss’ future has lingered, with Palace now beginning contingency planning, although they remain hopeful he will stay.
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