Wales manager Rob Page has insisted that Brennan Johnson is ready to make the step up to a top club, remarking that the versatile attacker should not think twice about making the switch to Tottenham.
Over the past 24 hours, it has been widely reported that Spurs are expected to launch an offer for Johnson before tonight’s transfer deadline, with the 22-year-old said to be keen on making the switch to the Lilywhites (Telegraph).
The Evening Standard stated last evening that the North London club remain hopeful that Nottingham Forest, who are demanding £50m for the player, will soften their stance before the deadline.
Page believes that Johnson is ready to cope with the pressure that comes with a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
(Photo by Ian Cook – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Rob Page thinks Brennan Johnson is ready for Spurs
When asked about the forward potentially replacing Harry Kane, he said (via TEAMtalk): “I wouldn’t even talk about the Harry Kane situation and going in to fill that. He’s his own person and player, a different type of player. I think he’s just got to go.”
Page asserted that Johnson has the confidence needed to perform at the highest level, also revealing that the Forest star is quite a grounded individual.
He continued: “Young players today – and Brennan falls into this category – are a confident breed and he’s more than capable of playing at that level.
“I think Brennan has a good support network around him. I know his dad (David), who used to play so he’s been through all this himself. You need that network as a young lad. I don’t believe he will get carried with it. He will stay grounded and won’t change.”
However, the 48-year-old did point out that Johnson is not a like-for-like replacement for Tottenham’s record goalscorer.
When asked about the difficulty of filling Kane’s shoes, Page responded: “You don’t go into a club expecting to fill somebody else’s boots. He’s a very different player to Harry and, if he goes there, it is on his own ability and what he can offer to the team.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Forest will not be too happy with Page insisting on Johnson taking the opportunity to go to Spurs. However, the communication coming from all parties, including Steve Cooper, suggests that the deal is likely to be completed before tonight’s deadline.
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