Chelsea to make shock bid for Middlesbrough winger Johnson

08 July 2009 23:01
Target: Adam Johnson[LNB] Adam Johnson is expected to join the exodus from Middlesbrough after emerging as a surprise target for Chelsea.[LNB] Mindful of the need for more homegrown players in their ChampionsLeague squad, Chelsea believe Johnson could provide useful cover oneither flank and are considering a bid of around £8million for theEngland Under 21 winger.[LNB] Skipper Terry: Sure you want to keep me, Chelsea?Chelsea won't break the bank to sign Ribery or Pato, insists chairman Buck [LNB] Boro are also preparing themselves for offers for Tuncay, Stewart Downing and Afonso Alves.[LNB] They have opened talks with Aston Villa over winger Downing andTurkey striker Tuncay, but value the pair at £20m. Tuncay'savailability is also being monitored by Everton while Tottenham remainlong-term admirers of Downing.[LNB] Alves looks to be on his way to Benfica, who are prepared to payonly £4m for a player who cost Boro a club record £12.7m in January2008 and scored just four league goals last season.[LNB] Alves returned to pre-season training two days late yesterday, although there was believed to be no sign of Mido.[LNB] With Tuncay, Alves and Mido expected to leave the Riverside Stadiumthis summer, manager Gareth Southgate is likely to step up his effortsto land Derby's experienced striker Rob Hulse for £3m to spearhead hisattack in next season's Championship.[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail