Chelsea chasing Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson

09 July 2009 08:56
The England U-21 international, who is on an extended break as Middlesbrough returned to pre-season training, is understood to be keen for a move to the Premier League following the club's relegation to the Championship. Johnson would fetch in the region of £8 million. Johnson has 12 months left on his current deal but the Sunderland-born player recently turned down a new contract to stay at the Riverside. According to the Daily Mail , Chelsea need to invest in homegrown talent in order to adhere to Uefa's impending regulations. Johnson has racked up 70 league appearances during his time at The Riverside. Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate wants to keep Johnson and it is understood that the club will reject all offers for him. However Chelsea are one of a host of clubs currently keeping tabs on Johnson. Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal have all vetted an interest, whilst Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also believed to be in the chase.

Source: Telegraph