Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is in the sights of Manchester United.
The Sunday Mirror says Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware reports suggesting much-coveted Johnson could be sold for £6million in the next window are significantly above the player’s real value, given his contract expires next June. Johnson, who has so far spurned Boro contract offers, can leave this summer on a Bosman.
But Johnson’s new club – Spurs, Everton, Fulham and home-town club Sunderland have all been monitoring him – would still have to pay some compensation because he will be under 24.
The boyhood Old Trafford fan has been tracked by Fergie for well over a year. He sees the left-sided midfielder, who can also play on the right, as a possible long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs.