Chelsea turn to Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson transfer after Michael Olise signs new Crystal Palace deal

Chelsea have targeted Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson after being snubbed by Michael Olise, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues are keen to bolster their frontline options and had agreed a deal to sign Olise from Crystal Palace after triggering his release clause.

Johnson is being targeted by Chelsea following Olise’s new contract at PalaceGetty

But the winger has unexpectedly decided to stay at Selhurst Park, agreeing a four-year contract to remain at the club.

Chelsea are not hanging around, though, and talkSPORT understands that they are now targeting Forest’s Johnson as an alternative transfer.

The London outfit have held preliminary talks with Steve Cooper’s side over a potential transfer.

Johnson has been linked with an exit from the City Ground throughout the summer where Brentford wanted to sign him.

The Bees had been prepared to make the Wales international their most expensive player of all time.

However, Forest rejected a bid reported to be worth around £40m for Johnson.

But Chelsea are now entering the race for the 22-year-old, who played every game for Forest last season in the Premier League.

He scored eight times and made three assists in his debut campaign in the top-tier and has been tipped as a star in the making.

Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino will be disappointed not to get his top target in Olise, who provided 11 assists last season in the Premier League.

Olise had been expected to be the latest signing at ChelseaGetty

No other 21-year-old across Europe’s top five leagues had set up so many goals.

Considering that Olise was set to cost around £35m after his release clause had been triggered, Johnson could end up costing a lot more.

The decision of the Frenchman to sign a new contract at Palace has left plenty in shock, including Chelsea.

Personal terms had already been agreed with the Blues, who appeared to have beat Manchester City to his signature.

But Eagles chairman Steve Parish announced that Olise was going nowhere after penning a new contract.

He wrote on social media: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce @m.olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four year deal with the club.

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