Manchester City have promised Everton first call on a loan move for out of favour Adam Johnson. This comes after the recent business carried out between the two clubs involving the transfer of Jack Rodwell. Clint Dempsey has also been linked, who rivals Liverpool are chasing.
Everton are keen to strengthen their midfield after the sales of Jack Rodwell and Tim Cahill and it is said that managers David Moyes and Roberto Mancini have spoken about Johnson being offered on loan.
The former Middlesbrough winger has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City and must be somewhat frustrated at continually having to come off the bench so it’s doubtful the player would turn down the opportunity to get some much-needed first-team football at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are also said to be turning their attention to Fulham’s Clint Dempsey – interest that will contest that of local rivals, Liverpool.
Dempsey would form a lethal partnership with Nikica Jelavic of that there is no doubt, and could team up with international Landon Donovan if he again makes his customary January loan switch across the pond.
Out of the two though, a move for Adam Johnson would be the more likely. Pre-discussions about a loan move for the player have already taken place between the two managers, whilst Fulham manager Martin Jol has said Dempsey is not for sale.
Even if the right price was to be offered for the USA forward, the 29-year-old is expected to prefer a switch to the red half of Merseyside over the blue – he even pulled of the club’s pre-season training camp in an attempt to force a move to Anfield.
Fulham have told Liverpool to double their original offer of £5 million and it has been reported that the Reds are now set to offer former Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam as part of a deal.
With this in mind, Everton must forget about Dempsey and focus all their efforts on bringing in Johnson and they must act fast as they are not the only club motioning the situation – ironically, Liverpool and Fulham are also looking at him.
It would be more worth Moyes’ while trying to sign Johnson on a permanent basis than it would be Dempsey – after all, the club could receive up to £17 million for the sale of Rodwell.
One side hoping Johnson will stay put at the Etihad will be Swansea City as that would make way for Scott Sinclair to join up with Mancini’s men. As for Dempsey, why aren’t Arsenal showing any interest? This will be the player’s last big move of his career and has said he wants a crack at the Champions League – makes sense doesn’t it?
image: © p_a_h
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