Middlesbrough FC

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Boro cool Johnson rumours

24 Jul 2008 - 09:20:53

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Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed speculation that his club have rejected an approach from Rangers for winger Adam Johnson.

The 21-year-old England Under-21 international seems likely to be sent out on loan by Southgate next season, but Johnson is expected to remain in England and join up with a Championship club.

Southgate told the Daily Record: "We haven't had any contact from Ibrox yet and there are about 12 Championship clubs interested in taking Adam on loan, so we're not short of offers.

"He's a great prospect, but Stewart Downing's ahead of him for us so we have to see how he gets on in pre-season.

"We need to work out whether to keep him here this season or if he needs a bit more experience. He's very young and still learning his trade.

"The Championship would be good for him, but we had Josh Walker at Aberdeen last season and that worked out well."

Johnson spent two months at Watford last season, scoring five times in 12 appearances for the Hornets before heading back to the Riverside.