Manchester City aim to hijack Chelsea's move for winger Adam Johnson

Johnson, 22, has just six months remaining on his contract at the Riverside, but Middlesbrough will be entitled to substantial compensation for the youngster if he runs down his contract and becomes a free agent in the summer.Chelsea had been aiming to secure a £5 million deal for the England U-21 international, who scored twice in Boro's 4-1 Championship victory at Doncaster recently. Related ArticlesMan Utd 3 Man City 1; agg 4-3Robinho close to loan move to SantosMan City Transfer TalkChelsea Transfer TalkChelsea 3 Birmingham City 0Transfer TalkBut City are now hopeful of winning the race for the Sunderland-born player, who interested Real Madrid last season, after making their move yesterday. Their initial £5 milion offer could eventually be worth up to £8 million. Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, 20, has asked not to be involved in a possible swap deal with City to smooth Robinho's loan move to the Brazilian club.

Source: Telegraph