Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Hughes: No Johnson offers

24 Jul 2008 - 09:34:07

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is hopeful of agreeing a new long-term contract with rising midfield star Michael Johnson.

The 20-year-old rose to prominence during the first half of last season, before an abdominal problem hindered his progress, but Johnson is still rumoured to be a potential target for Liverpool.

However, Hughes told his club's official website: "We have had no enquiries for him and Michael is a big part of what I want to do here.

"He is a young player with great potential and it does not surprise me that good players may attract interest.

"My stance with Michael is that we very much want him to stay and hopefully we can resolve his contract situation very quickly."

Meanwhile, Hughes has confirmed that striker Valeri Bojinov is struggling to regain full fitness, after a serious knee injury ruined his first season at Eastlands.

The 22-year-old Bulgaria international is currently suffering with a thigh problem, but Hughes expects to see progress in the coming weeks.

He added: "Valeri has had a thigh strain which he has been aware of for some time.

"We are trying to get to the bottom of that and we are near enough there in as much that it has settled down.

"What he is suffering from is a knock-on from the knee injury. His body is compensating and when you are in his situation, you have to be accepting of the fact that on certain occasions your body will let you down."