Rafa Benitez is preparing to launch a ₤12 million summer bid for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson.
The Liverpool boss has attempted to capture the 20-year-old twice before, and this latest effort comes despite the boardroom turmoil at Anfield that sees Benitez’s post less than 100 per cent secure.
Talks are already underway with City, and Johnson is reportedly excited about the prospect of a move to Merseyside as negotiations move towards the final stages.
Benitez initially intended to lure the England Under-21 international away from Eastlands in a January swap involving Peter Crouch. But the move was halted as Johnson underwent surgery on his groin, and as Portsmouth have since expressed interest in Crouch, Benitez will try to secure Johnson’s services regardless of whether a swap deal is agreed.
Johnson has three years remaining on his contract with City, and the club will offer him an improved deal in an attempt to keep him. But he is keen to leave for Liverpool and the promise of European football, to fight for his place alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
The Liverpool boss has attempted to capture the 20-year-old twice before, and this latest effort comes despite the boardroom turmoil at Anfield that sees Benitez’s post less than 100 per cent secure.
Talks are already underway with City, and Johnson is reportedly excited about the prospect of a move to Merseyside as negotiations move towards the final stages.
Benitez initially intended to lure the England Under-21 international away from Eastlands in a January swap involving Peter Crouch. But the move was halted as Johnson underwent surgery on his groin, and as Portsmouth have since expressed interest in Crouch, Benitez will try to secure Johnson’s services regardless of whether a swap deal is agreed.
Johnson has three years remaining on his contract with City, and the club will offer him an improved deal in an attempt to keep him. But he is keen to leave for Liverpool and the promise of European football, to fight for his place alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
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