Source: Daily_Mail
Strachan hopes to hold off Man City bid for Middlesbrough's Johnson
Waiting game: Johnson[LNB]Middlesbrough's England Under 21 winger Adam Johnson has asked permission to speak to Manchester City after they tabled a £4.5million bid but may have to wait until the end of the season to get his move.[LNB]Boro boss Gordon Strachan confirmed City's interest but underlined his belief that Johnson would stay until the summer when Boro risk a tribunal determining the fee for him.[LNB]City's bid was believed to be around £500,000 less than that offered by neighbours Sunderland, while Wolves have offered around £6m. Chelsea are also interested, but have made no offer.[LNB]Strachan is talking to Celtic's Australia striker Scott McDonald but may struggle to pay a loan fee for defender Scotland Stephen McManus. McDonald is also wanted by West Ham.[LNB] Man City launch Johnson swoop in bid to beat Chelsea for Middlesbrough ace NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Adam Johnson's departure - even for £6m - would be a major blow to a Boro side struggling to keep up with the pace settersDoncaster 1 Middlesbrough 4: Johnson steals the show with a classy brace[LNB]
