Chelsea 'opens talks' with Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson

Chelsea have identified Nottingham Forest Brennan Johnson as a possible alternative to Michael Olise this summer, according to reports.

The Blues were said to have triggered Michael Olise’s £35m release clause, but the 21-year-old instead signed a new contract with Crystal Palace, keeping him at the club until 2027.

Palace are unhappy with the way Olise was approached by Chelsea and are considering formally reporting the west London side.

As a result, Todd Boehly has turned his attention to Johnson, with discussions over the 22-year-old underway, according to the Guardian. The report adds that Forest value the forward at £45 million amid interest from both Tottenham and West Ham.

In the meantime, Chelsea are expected to sell a a number of current players in order to balance the books at Stamford Bridge, with 18-year-old left-back Lewis Hall expected to join Newcastle in a deal worth a reported £28 million, despite being offered a new six-year deal just weeks ago.

The club have also identified a further six players who could be sold this summer as Boehly looks to stay the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP) having spent nearly £1 billion since his arrival.

Earlier this week, Chelsea broke the British transfer record for the second time this year when they signed Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo from Brighton for £115m, beating Liverpool to his signature. In addition, they are preparing to announce the £58m signing of the Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia.