Source: Northern_Echo
Boro determined to keep Johnson
MIDDLESBROUGH have signalled their intention to keep hold of winger Adam Johnson beyond the terms of his current contract.[LNB] The 22-year-old winger has taken over Stewart Downings mantle since the England internationals summer departure for Aston Villa, and is Boros leading scorer this season with nine goals.[LNB] However, his existing deal is due to run out at the end of the campaign and talks over an extension have yet to pay dividends.[LNB] Sunderland-born Johnson, who will be able to talk to other clubs in January, has attracted the attention of a series of suitors with the Black Cats and Everton among those to have run the rule over him.[LNB] But amid speculation that Steve Bruce is ready to firm up his interest with a £3m bid for the England Under-21 international when the transfer window opens in January, Boro are refusing to give up on one of their most successful Academy graduates.[LNB] Chief executive Keith Lamb said: We have had no approach from Sunderland, nor would we welcome one.[LNB] Adam is a Middlesbrough player and we want him to stay. Johnson has started all 16 of Boros games, and passed up an opportunity to claim his tenth goal when he missed a penalty in Saturdays 1-0 defeat to Plymouth.[LNB]
