Crystal Palace have settled on a club-record £35m agreement with Tottenham for Brennan Johnson but are encountering stiff competition from Bournemouth in their pursuit of the Wales forward.
Palace are eager to strengthen their attacking options after a demanding schedule that has seen them play 30 matches across all competitions this season due to their Conference League involvement.
With Senegal winger Ismaïla Sarr away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the club pinpointed Johnson as their top January target and began discussions with Tottenham several weeks ago.
The south-east London outfit have now struck a deal for the 24-year-old that could eclipse their previous record signing of Christian Benteke from Liverpool in August 2016.
However, Johnson is yet to commit to his next move, with Bournemouth now poised to match Palace’s proposal as they look to replace Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is expected to complete a £65m switch to Manchester City.
Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have also been credited with interest in Johnson but are yet to submit formal enquiries. The attacker, who joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 for £47.5m, is anticipated to assess his options over the coming days before reaching a final decision.
Johnson has found minutes hard to come by at Tottenham under Thomas Frank this season, making just six Premier League starts. He was Spurs’ top scorer last campaign and netted the decisive goal in the Europa League final to secure their first major trophy since 2008.
Johnson appeared as an 85th-minute substitute in Tottenham’s victory over Palace on Sunday, and Frank insisted during his pre-match press conference ahead of the New Year’s Day clash with former club Brentford that the winger remains part of his plans.
“He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace,” said Frank.
“He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.”
Should Johnson move on, Tottenham are expected to source a replacement and have been linked with RB Leipzig’s highly rated 19-year-old Yan Diomande, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz.
Frank confirmed his intention to add reinforcements in multiple areas. “We will be in the market,” he said.
“The main bit is the ones we add need to be ones that we really think can improve the team. Then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad.”