Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is desperately trying to stave off a move by Arsenal or Liverpool for their excellent young midfielder, but will a pay rise be enough to keep him from an Eastlands exit?

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed midfielder Michael Johnson has been offered a new contract, after catching wind of interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.
City have made a reappraisal of Johnson’s current contract, and are thought to have offered him a “double-your-money”, five-year deal to secure his future at Eastlands.
Hughes has been impressed with the 20-year-old since arriving as manager from Blackburn, and has signed off on proposing to Johnson a new £25,000-a-week deal.
As yet, the deal has not been finalised. (Telegraph)

Whilst the hike in salary will surely be a big bonus for the youngster, it could be that money alone won’t keep him at Man City. Clearly with Sparky on board, things do look a lot rosier than they did when Sven was axed, but the England Under-21 international may consider a move to Arsenal or Liverpool to be a better move, and both have shown real interest in the midfielder.

Importantly perhaps, Liverpool don’t have much cash left and what money they have earmarked for incoming players doesn’t include Johnson. That leaves the north London side who obviously have a history of giving youth a chance and that may be what excites the 20-year-old. Would Arsenal fans welcome a move for Johnson or should they be aiming to sign more experienced players to go alongside their already youthful side?

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