Source: Daily_Mail
Man City launch Johnson swoop in bid to beat Chelsea for Middlesbrough ace
Manchester City will attempt to get over their Carling Cup disappointment by signing England Under 21 star Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough.[LNB]It is understood that the Eastlands club have lodged a bid for Johnson and they hope to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window.[LNB]Johnson, who is valued at £6.5million by Boro, scored twice against Doncaster onWednesday night but has been touted for a move away from the Riversidesince the Teessiders were relegated last season.[LNB] Red star: Middlesbrough's 22-year-old winger Adam Johnson[LNB]Opening: Downing's move to Villa left a gap to fill at Boro[LNB]Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the 22-year-old. Johnson is a product of the prolific Boro academy, despite being born in nearby Sunderland.[LNB] Although he was largely viewed as a deputy to Stewart Downing, the winger's long-term injury and subsequent move to Aston Villa offered Johnson the chance to shine and he has taken the extra responsibility in his stride.[LNB] As Boro at the moment look unlikely to reclaim their place in the top flight for next season, a move may appeal to Johnson, particularly to a club like City, who are on the rise, despite tonight's setback at Old Trafford.[LNB] Certainly money would not appear to be a block to any possible deal, so, if Johnson believes it represents a worthwhile step forward, it is hard to imagine it will fail to be pushed through.[LNB]Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan has revealed he expects Johnson to remain at the club despite receiving a series of 'verbal offers' for the player.[LNB]Strachan said: 'We have had verbal offers in the last week for Adam,but nothing has changed. Adam is still here and I would expect him still to be here for the last 19 games of the season.[LNB]'We have had verbal offers, we have had one official offer and I would imagine after looking at those that Adam will be here for the rest of the season, which we are quite delighted about because he is coming back into form.[LNB]'That's great for us because when he is on form, we are a better team, that's for sure. Adam is a terrific, terrific professional and a terrific young man. He is a credit to his mum and dad.'[LNB] City set to raid Italy for Sampdoria's Cassano and Roma's MottaYour old man's a dustman and ours is really cool: Liam Gallagher backs stylish Roberto Mancini to outdo Sir Alex FergusonMan United 3 Man City 1 (United win 4-3 on agg): Rooney finds killer blowMARTIN SAMUEL: Three-goal Tevez left in a daze by home truth MANCHESTER CITY FC
