The race for Manchester City midfielder Adam Johnson has begun, and Newcastle United are one of the five clubs reportedly interested.
The 25-year old winger whose family comes from the North East has been told by City boss Roberto Mancini that he can leave the club. Newcastle have been linked with him in the past and there are conflicting reports in today’s nationals as to where he will end up.
The Eastlands club have reportedly set a £10 million valuation for the player, although a loan exit cannot be ruled out according to Mancini.
Today’s Guardian says five clubs have met the valuation and Johnson has rejected a move to two of them. The five clubs are believed to be Newcastle, Sunderland, Spurs, Everton and Liverpool. The Guardian adds that Johnson hasn’t rejected Sunderland and they are in pole position to sign him.
However, a move to Newcastle could materialise because despite coming from a family of Sunderland supporters, Johnson supported the Toon as a boy.
The Independent provide their own twist on Johnson, stating Liverpool are in the driving seat, with no mention of Newcastle United’s interest.
The Mirror reports that Johnson will reject Sunderland for a move to either Liverpool or Spurs because he wants European football. Both of these teams are in the Europa League just like Newcastle, which means a move to his boyhood club is also possible.
As far as the Toon are concerned, we need to ask two questions. 1) Do we need him? and 2) Can we afford to pay £10m and the sort of wages he would want.
To answer. Newcastle are well stocked in midfield and have plenty of decent options on the right side of midfield. Furthermore, when was the last time we paid £10m for a player who more than likely won’t fit into the current team?
We can’t see it, no matter how good a player he is.
Let us know your thoughts. Tweet @nufcfans.
Click on the photo of Douglas’ family for an update on his move to the Toon
(Photo credit should read VINCENT JANNINK/AFP/Getty Images)
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