Johnson in new contract talks as Boro look to tie down young stars

21 August 2009 00:49
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is hoping to convince England Under 21 winger Adam Johnson to sign a new contract at the Riverside. [LNB]The 22-year-old, who has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham in the past, has stepped out of Stewart Downing's shadow to score three goals in three games at the start of the Teesside club's Championship season.[LNB] Spot on: Adam Johnson[LNB] And Boro boss Southgate, who has been in talks for weeks with the Sunderland-born midfielder, wants him to follow David Wheater and Matthew Bates and pledge his future to the club they joined as youngsters.[LNB]Southgate said: `We are in talks over a new contract and we have not stopped talking. We want to keep our best players.[LNB] `It's important for his development. Adam is playing well, is positive about the future and is enjoying being a big part of the team.  [LNB]'He feels better about himself and is not thinking that he might be back out of the side, which helps you as a player. He needs to play football. [LNB]`He will be getting a lot of the ball and a chance to shine and if he continues to score goals as he is we will be right up there.'  [LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Fulham on brink of £4m swoop for West Brom skipper GreeningWarnock escapes FA rap but Jordan is asked to explain 'phantom goal' claimsScunthorpe 0 Middlesbrough 2: Spot of luck as Johnson's brace wins points[LNB]  Explore more:People:Gareth Southgate, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, David Wheater

Source: Daily_Mail