Source: Daily_Mail
Bruce told to forget Johnson bid as Boro issue hands off warning
Middlesbrough have issued a hands off warning to Sunderland over their talented young winger Adam Johnson.[LNB]Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is leading the pack of Barclays Premier League clubs interested in the England Under-21 winger after watching him at the Riverside last month.[LNB] Hot property: Adam Johnson has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs[LNB]But Boro's new boss Gordon Strachan is understandably keen to hold on to the Easington-born midfielder who has scored nine goals already this season as he relishes his first run in the first team.[LNB]And the Teesside club's chief executive Keith Lamb says the priority for Middlesbrough is to tie the 22-year-old to a long-term contract. Johnson has so far resisted Boro's fresh offers to replace the deal which runs out at the end of this season.[LNB] Hands off: New Boro boss Gordon Strachan is determined to keep Adam Johnson despite rival interest from Sunderland manager Steve Bruce (R)[LNB]If that contract is allowed to run out Johnson would not leave the Riverside on a free transfer, but Boro would receive some compensation as he has been at the club since he was a schoolboy.[LNB] But Lamb is hoping to see off a number of top flight clubs who have been flocking to Boro matches this season.[LNB]He 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.'[LNB] Wheater urges Johnson to stay at the Riverside and help Boro bounce backNORTHERN EXPOSURE: Gordon's in, so Boro must back him with cashSUNDERLAND FC
