Media reports had suggested that City were interested in bringing the 24-year-old American, who plays for Major League Soccer side Dallas to Ashton Gate, but these reports have been played down by the City boss.
"We do know of him of course but we've been following a lot of strikers," Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol.
"We need an experienced number nine and if we find that I'll be happy. John Akinde shows signs of being that player but he's only 19 so he's got potential."