Nottingham Forest fans have reacted to the news that contract talks between Brennan Johnson and the Reds have "stalled".
The 20-year-old Nigel Doughty Academy product played the full 90 minutes as Forest lost 2-1 at Coventry City on Sunday (August 8).
Johnson, who impressed with 13 goals and 14 assists from 48 appearances while on loan with Lincoln City last season, is expected to have a greater role at the City Ground this season.
The attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Brentford understood to have had at least one bid rejected by Forest.
Chris Hughton's side remain hopeful of retaining Johnson's services for the long-term, but the Reds are understood to have hit a stumbling block in contract talks.
According to the Athletic, discussions over the length of a deal and the level of any potential release clause have caused conversations to slow down.
It is claimed that wage demands are not an issue.
Hughton is a big admirer of Johnson's quality and said after Sunday's game that he was a player the club "like a lot".
“Brennan is a young player who we like a lot, it was a great decision by the club to send him out on loan to Lincoln and credit to them, because they have helped his development hugely, when you look at the season he had,” said Hughton.
"He has come back better for that experience.
"It is our responsibility to look after him and to develop him and we will continue to do that.
"There is never an answer to speculation but my only thoughts and concerns are seeing him playing well for us, developing as a player and contributing to the goals that we will need to do well."
Here is what Reds fans have said on social media...
@PaulButtery2: Don't include a release clause. Market value when the time comes.
@JordanThelen: Think it's a great thing that it's over his release clause rather than wages - should be as high as we can get it.
@likeahealingha1: I hope our playing hardball doesn't result in him leaving now and on the cheap.
@Bvsnffcsg01: Hopefully we can get him down to another 4 years.
@GC_NFFC: Get it done, he's keen which is very good and said he can't wait to play in front of us at the city ground in his post match thoughts yesterday (Sunday).
@Chris78901: Good news that wages aren't an issue and that he's willing to stay. I'm sure the club and Johnson/his team can come to some agreement over length and whether a clause is needed.
@NFFCRY: Both keen, so should be no delay. Should be absolute priority.
@adamjgibb94: Give him what he wants and let's get that contract signed c'mon.
