Johnson talks about his move

A nice interview in the Northern Echo with Adam Johnson in which he discusses his time at Middlesbrough and reasons for the move (and mentions interest from both Wolves and Sunderland), and in which talked a little about looking ahead to his time at the club:

“It’s a big club, where I will learn and improve playing alongside top players every day. I want to achieve as much as I can in the game, I want to play in Europe, the Champions League and win trophies. At Manchester City I can do that.

“I’m totally prepared for the change. I actually think a move like this would have happened a few years back but I didn’t really get my chance while Stewart Downing was around.”

“It’s strange how I have joined when Robinho has left, it’s amazing to think I’m filling the hole left by the most expensive footballer in British football. I can’t wait.”

Johnson signs

The deal that many expected was finally confirmed just before the transfer deadline this afternoon as we landed Adam Johnson for an undisclosed fee:

The Club is delighted to announce that Adam Johnson has joined us from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee after agreeing terms and passing a medical this afternoon.

The former England Under-21 winger, who has signed a contract until June 2014, steps straight into Roberto Mancini's squad against Hull on Saturday. He will wear the traditional No.11.

Johnson, who played 19 games for England Under-21s and scored four goals, has played 96 times for Boro, scoring 13 times and making a firm impression on the game's shrewdest judges.

Although it was confirmed as an undisclosed fee, the MEN are suggesting it is in the region of an initial £6million, rising to £10 million with add-ons. Although Johnson was out of contract in the summer, given his age (meaning we would have had to have paid a compensatory figure anyway) and undoubted potential it is a fair figure.

I am excited about the move. Johnson is very highly thought of in the game and impressed in our FA Cup meeting before being forced off through injury. He had his path blocked a little by Stewart Downing early in his career and spent time on loan at both Leeds and Watford but returned for the 2008/09 season where he made twenty-six appearances in Middlesbrough's relegation campaign.

Interestingly enough, Johnson has often featured on the right wing (or 'off-wing') - something that Mancini (amongst many others at the moment) is fond of utilising and far from him being banished to the reserves my view is that he will see plenty of playing time over the remainder of the season.

A further point to consider is the potential effect this could have on Martin Petrov's future. Out of contract in the summer of course, he has often been linked with moves away from the club (with rumours today of a move to Everton) and perhaps this signing pushes the Bulgarian closer to the exit door?

Johnson bid 'increased'

Sky Sports News understands that Manchester City have made an improved offer for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

City made a move for the talented 22-year-old earlier in the week, only for Boro boss Gordon Strachan to reject the approach.

Although Johnson is understood to want the chance to hold transfer talks, Boro, for now, hold the key to his short-term future.

>>skysports.com.

As I posted previously, I expected an increased bid from us and would be confident of it being successful. Middlesbrough, I'm sure, would take a bid in the region of £6 million as opposed to seeing him walk when his contract expires in the summer.

It always amazes me though quite why deals are left until the very end of the transfer window, and unless we can get a fee agreed soon we run the danger of not being able to complete by tomorrow's 5pm deadline.

Johnson bids rejected

Although reports last night appeared to be confident in seeing us land Adam Johnson, the suggestion today is that it may not be so cut and dried.

Sky Sports are quoting Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan as having dismissed all bids outright for him:

"We have had verbal offers in the last week for Adam, but nothing has changed," said Strachan. Adam is still here and I would expect him still to be here for the last 19 games of the season."

I believe that despite Middlesbrough being relegated from the Premier League last season, they are on a relatively sound footing financially so a requirement to sell may not be as pressing as it is with Crystal Palace and Victor Moses.

Alternatively, it could merely be an attempt to see interested parties up their bid with the closing of the transfer window ever nearer.

Johnson bid reported

Manchester City will attempt to get over their Carling Cup disappointment by signing England Under-21 star Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough.

It is understood the Blues have lodged a bid for Johnson and they hope to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window.

Johnson scored twice for Boro in their victory over Doncaster on Tuesday night but has been touted for a move away from the Riverside since the Teessiders were relegated last season.

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With the focus soon to shift away from the Carling Cup and derby games, potential transfers and likely targets will fall back under the spotlight and this is one that has been reported almost immediately following tonight's game.

Johnson was an impressive figure during the early stages of the recent FA Cup tie and comes with a big reputation. No doubt he would be an option on the left hand side to fill the gap in the squad created by Robinho's imminent departure.

Would this mean a possible move for Crystal Palace's Victor Moses may no longer be forthcoming though?