Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs lurk in the Forest as Aston Villa are Tor-mented by Barcelona

It seems almost amazing to think that Nottingham Forest’s most impressive player on their return to the Premier League has not been one of their 3,532 summer signings.

The laws of probability would suggest one of the many players attracted to the City Ground over the last 12 months would be given that tag - but no, it’s a key player that helped them end their long absence from the top flight that has really caught the eye and played a lead role in what looks like being a successful battle against relegation back into the Championship.

Out of all of the many players that have featured this season, few, if any, can have a bigger claim to be named player of the season than the ever impressive Brennan Johnson. The Wales winger has scored ten goals and provided three assists in 42 appearances in all competitions but they only really tell half of the story of what has been an impressive season.

Almost inevitably, his form has led to admiration from elsewhere and Football Transfers have claimed Newcastle United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Aston Villa have all ‘registered interest’ in the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

The latter of that Premier League quintet could shake off some recent disappointment if they were successful in seeing off competition for Johnson at the end of the season after Villa were reportedly rebuffed in their attempts to land Barcelona winger Ferran Torres.

The former Manchester City man was said to be a target for Villa boss Unai Emery as he looks to continue the momentum his side have built up during an impressive second half of the Premier League season. However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo have claimed Torres in not keen on a move to Villa Park, is unaware of any interest and is ‘steadfast’ in his determination to remain at the Camp Nou this summer.

The Catalan giants are also said to have made a decision that will impact on another Premier League club this summer after Barca withdrew their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves. The Portugal international has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Camp Nou all season but a report from Spanish outlet Sport has suggested Barca are not willing to meet the £44m asking price put upon Neves’ head and winger Ansu Fati is unwilling to be part of any part-exchange deal.