Source: Northern_Echo
McManus on his way but boss hopes Johnson isn’t
GORDON STRACHAN was reluctant to discuss the future of Adam Johnson last night, but the Middlesbrough boss revealed that Celtic defender Stephen McManus is close to moving to the Riverside Stadium.[LNB] Johnson, out of contract in the summer, reaffirmed his value with two sensational goals in the 4-1 victory at Doncaster Rovers that lifted Middlesbrough to within five points of the play-offs last night.[LNB] His display led to Strachan paying further tribute to the left-winger, but not until he spoke of his confidence that his former captain at Celtic Park is on his way.[LNB] McManus is likely to arrive on loan initially with a view to a permanent £2m deal at the end of the season .[LNB] And Strachan, who has shown a reluctance to talk publicly about transfer targets in the past, was happy to discuss the possibility of the 27-year-old arriving and he could play against Bristol City on Saturday.[LNB] I think it has been well documented that I'm a big fan of his and he is not getting a game at Celtic, said the Boro boss. I have asked him if he wants to come here and he is desperate to come. It's now a case of trying to a deal with Celtic.[LNB] Strachan wants three more signings before the transfer window closes on Monday. He lost out on winger Wayne Routledge to Newcastle, and he also wants to retain his prize asset.[LNB] Johnson was terrific at the Keepmoat Stadium last night.[LNB] His 25-yard drive opened the scoring in the first half before he added a second after Jonathan Franks and Leroy Lita had found the net.[LNB] The 22-year-old's performance hammered home why there are so many clubs queuing up for his services, with Everton expected to make a firm approach this week.[LNB] But Strachan, who would find it difficult to keep the player if an offer of around £7m was received, remains determined that the 12-goal man remains on Teesside.[LNB] Johnno's touch of class made the difference, said Strachan, relieved to experience only his third win since taking over in October.[LNB] Johnno has that type of ability.[LNB] Adam Johnson continues to impress me as a man as well as a footballer but nothing changes, he is still out of contract at the end of the season and still got six months to go.[LNB] He scored a terrific first goal, which is what he can do, made the second and got the fourth so he has had a good night but there were some other good performances from Chris Killen, Willo Flood and Jonathan Grounds who has come in.[LNB] With Chris Riggott sidelined with a hamstring injury and Middlesbrough yet to conclude a deal for McManus, last night was Grounds' opportunity to show Strachan what he could offer as a centreback.[LNB] And the manager, who had 11 players missing at Doncaster, said: I was very pleased with them all.[LNB] Jonathan came in and did very well after being out for a while, showed a great attitude in training and deserved his chance.[LNB] The injuries have not been easy, it got to the farcical stage last Friday. But I am happy with the performances. Doncaster were unlucky because we have had other games where we have not taken our chances, we have not had the luck lately but tonight we had some.[LNB]
