Aston Villa and Birmingham City have reportedly shown an interest in the player, but Leicester have ‘stepped up’ their pursuit.
Leicester are said to have stepped up their pursuit of the 26-year-old in light of Michael Appleton’s appointment as assistant manager.
Former Oxford United manager Michael Appleton
Appleton, who signed Johnson from Motherwell a year ago, is claimed to have recommended the player to Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare, after an impressive campaign in which the player scored six goals and 11 assists for the U’s, despite having spent part of it at left-back.
And while a move to either Aston Villa or Birmingham would likely appeal to the Second City native, he is said to be keen on a crack at the Premier League.
Nevertheless, it is claimed that Oxford’s reported £2 million valuation is proving a sticking point, with the League One side looking to recoup as much as they can due to a sell-on clause agreed with Johnson’s former employers.
Aston Villa have already gone head-to-head with Birmingham for the signing of one player, John Terry, this summer – and won.
Oxford United’s Marvin Johnson [left]
However, it appears as though both sides will miss out to Leicester on this occasion.
Should Johnson choose Leicester over Aston Villa and Birmingham City?
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