By Gareth James
Wales striker Brennan Johnson could still be heading towards Tottenham from Nottingham Forest as the biggest Welsh deadline day deal.
Forest’s Welsh manager Steve Cooper has admitted Johnson’s future at the club could go down to the wire as talks continue over a deal that could be worth £50m.
Johnson has been Tottenham’s top target for a new forward and they have faced competition from Brentford, but Spurs are now pushing to sign the 22-year-old before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Cooper said: “If something is going to happen, then it’s coming to that time.
“There is no official news. So, we’ll have to carry on as normal. We’ll treat this best we can as a normal day.”
Spurs have already made one offer of around £40m that has been turned down by Forest.
🥇 Negotiations between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest for Brennan Johnson are advancing. #THFC @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/50OMXXPHXc
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) September 1, 2023
Cardiff City are confident they can beat Swansea City to the loan signing of Nottingham Forest central defender Jonathan Panzo.
Both clubs have been keen to pick up the 22-year-old, who was reported as having held talks with Bluebirds manager Erol Bulut in Cardiff on Thursday evening.
Cardiff can only sign players on loan deals because of their ongoing transfer ban, but it is understood Panzo is keen to keep his options open with Forest, so a loan agreement holds appeal.
The defender spent a successful loan campaign with Coventry City last season, helping them reach the play-off final at Wembley, before they were beaten by Luton Town.
Swansea City head coach Michael Duff has confirmed he is still working on bringing in at least one defender and one striker before the transfer window closes.
🚨🚨 BREAKING: #THFC and Nottingham Forest are getting closer on the fee for Brennan Johnson! @pokeefe1 🥇 pic.twitter.com/wbhMXISi9E
— Spurs Connect (@Spurs_Connect) September 1, 2023
Duff has confirmed interest in Cologne’s former Birmingham City defender Kristian Pedersen, after reports in Germany that the Dane is closing in on a move to South Wales.
The 29-year-old has long been mentioned as a possible target for the Swans, with Michael Duff keen to further strengthen his left-sided options this summer, despite the arrival of Dutchman Nathan Tjoe-A-On.
Swansea have confirmed the loan exit of Ben Blythe.
The 21-year-old has joined Barry Town for the 2023/24 season.
Exclusive: Jonathan Panzo has agreed move to Cardiff City on loan for the season. Desicion made last night.
Nottingham Forest defender had interest from around Europe and the UK. #cardiffcity #NFFC pic.twitter.com/FT7oODbStP
— Fraser (Fletcher) Gillan (@FrazFletcher) September 1, 2023
In a statement, Swansea said: “Swansea City defender Ben Blythe has joined Barry Town on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
“The 21-year-old links up with the newly-promoted Welsh top-flight side as he looks to gain experience at senior level.
“Blythe joined the Swans on a two-year deal in the summer of 2022 and featured for the club’s under-21s last season.
“The Leeds-born centre-back had previously spent four years in south Yorkshire with Doncaster Rovers.”
🚨 | Jonathan Panzo has agreed a move to Cardiff City on loan for the season. Desicion made last night.
HERE WE GO pic.twitter.com/OZHSVoCRJE
— Sloper Road Blues (@SloperBlues) September 1, 2023