Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch could make Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson his 'number one target' if he succeeds in keeping the Elland Road outfit in the Premier League, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Marsch was appointed as the Whites' boss in February and the American will be given the opportunity to add reinforcements to his squad ahead of his first full season at the helm.

What's the latest news involving Johnson?

According to MailOnline, Johnson is a summer target for Leeds if they maintain their top flight status and Nottingham Forest miss out on promotion from the Championship.

The report suggests the nine-cap Wales international is valued by his current employers at £20million and will be a prominent target as long as the Whites fend off relegation.

Leeds' hopes of striking a deal could be bolstered by the fact Johnson's Nottingham Forest contract has just over 12 months remaining.

However, it is understood that Brentford are also interested, having seen a £15million bid rejected in January, while Newcastle United are monitoring the winger's situation.

This has been a breakthrough season for Johnson, who was described as 'unbelievable' by former Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi, as he has registered 16 goals and nine assists while establishing himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet.

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What has Dean Jones said about Johnson?

Jones has urged Leeds to make welcoming Johnson to Elland Road a priority ahead of the summer window opening for business.

However, the transfer insider insists a deal will only be possible if the Whites and Nottingham Forest remain in their current divisions.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "They should make him their number one target, 100%.

"They are in a great position to sign Brennan Johnson if they do stay up and Forest don't manage to get promoted."

Are Leeds and Nottingham Forest likely to remain in their current divisions?

Leeds have been dragged back into a relegation dogfight and their Premier League status is by no means secure.

Marsch's side are also facing tough-looking fixtures, including against the likes of Chelsea, ahead of the campaign's climax.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on Tuesday, meaning they already knew where they stood heading into the final match of the Championship season.

The away loss ruled out the possibility of securing automatic promotion, meaning Steve Cooper's charges will have to battle for a top flight spot via the play-offs.