Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City submit fresh £6m bid for Middlesbrough winger Johnson
[LNB] Manchester City are believed to have made an increased bid for Middlesbroughwinger Adam Johnson.[LNB]The Blues had a £5million offer for the 22-year-old rejected last week but arenow thought to have contacted the Teesside outfit once more with a substantiallyimproved bid. [LNB]Boro boss Gordon Strachan has stated he expects Johnson to still to be at theRiverside after tomorrow's 5pm transfer deadline. [LNB]City bound: Adam Johnson[LNB]However, chairman Steve Gibson might be reluctant to turn down increased termsfor a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season. [LNB]Johnson was part of the Middlesbrough side that was held to a goalless draw byBristol City yesterday.A product of Boro's highly-rated academy, despite being born in Sunderland,Johnson remained with the club following their relegation from the PremierLeague last term and it was anticipated he would be part of the club's push forpromotion. [LNB]Instead, as results have proved difficult for Strachan to come by, Johnson hasfound himself linked with several top-flight clubs.However, he is said to have informed Boro officials last week of his desire tohear what City are offering and that is only likely to intensify as tomorrow'sdeadline draws near. [LNB]The exit of record signing Robinho for Santos has created a space on the leftof City's midfield, although it would put him in competition with Craig Bellamyand Martin Petrov.Johnson's ability to play on the right, as he did so often for Boro beforeStewart Downing's summer move to Aston Villa, would be an asset for managerRoberto Mancini. [LNB] Target: McDonald Mariga [LNB]And, after moving to within a point of a top-four place by beating Portsmouthat Eastlands this afternoon, City are keen to maintain their momentum and aredetermined not to miss out on their stated aim by not having enough depth intheir squad.[LNB]City hopetoday to complete the£7m signing of McDonaldMariga from Parma.[LNB]The Eastlands have rushed through a work permit application for Marigaso they can beat Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan to the player.[LNB] Man City rush to pip Jose Mourinho in race for Parma's McDonald MarigaMan City turn to Parma's Mariga after move for Real's Gago breaks downNORTHERN EXPOSURE: Adam Johnson's departure - even for £6m - would be a major blow to a Boro side struggling to keep up with the pace settersChelsea and Man City target Adam Johnson remains focused on Middlesbrough's promotion drive[LNB]
