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Manager Roberto Mancini fears his gifted young midfielder Michael Johnson will not regain fitness in time to play a part in Manchester City’s Europa League quest.

Mancini had hoped the 22-year-old would help City triumph in Europe.

But Johnson’s progress seems to have stalled and he is some way from being ready for first-team action.

The England Under 21 player – a product of City’s youth system – was out for a year with abdominal problems and a knee-ligament injury.

There have been loan enquiries, most recently from Leeds and Leicester, but Mancini is keeping him for now, and Johnson appeared for the reserves last night. If there is no progress in the coming weeks, he is likely to be sold this summer.

This will disappoint many who had high hopes when he broke into the first team under Sven Goran Eriksson in 2007.

City are re-evaluating their academy, with the flow of talent drying up and Mancini struggling to find the four homegrown players he needs for his 25-man European squad next season.

SOURCE: Daily Mail

When Michael Johnson broke into the Manchester City first team four years ago, he looked quite the promising talent indeed.

“Future England midfielder,” people agreed, and supporters and rival fans of City alike nodded their appreciation.

Injuries though have taken their toll, and Johnson already looks far older than his 22 years.

Now a man once linked with the likes of Arsenal for upwards of £10m is now more likely to go on loan a division down.

Where will Michael Johnson go from here?

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Leeds United are ready to sign Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson.

The People says City are ready to send forgotten midfielder Johnson on loan to Leeds.

Johnson, 22, is virtually back to full fitness after a catalogue of injuries blighted his career.

Now boss Roberto Mancini will let Johnson go out this week to get regular match action with Leeds the favoured destination.

SOURCE: Tribalfootball

Michael Johnson had such a promising start to his Man City career that he was earmarked as an England international star in the making, but it has never quite panned out for the 22 year old. Injury and poor form coupled with off field issues have seen the midfielder stagnate some what at Eastlands and a move to Elland Road may well be the best move for all parties.

Simon Grayson’s side are battling hard for a second successive promotion and the addition of the former Everton youth team player would greatly assist their hopes of promotion back to the English top tier and would also help give Johnson valuable first team action.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are having a disappointing season in terms of results, but often the performances have been better than the points they have generated.

Wolves certainly deserved something from games such as against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and though the team have lost 14 matches, 7 of those have been by a single goal.

If those matches were converted into draws, the additional 7 points gained would see the club move into midtable.

That either shows that Wolves are not playing as badly as their points tally suggests, or that they lack the cutting edge or heart to get something out of a tight game.

No one would doubt the hearts of the players, who put in an astonishing amount of effort each game, but the lack of quality in crucial areas may prove critical.

There are plenty of hard grafters in the Wolves team, but substantially less guile and creativity.

Matt Jarvis possesses plenty of skill and a decent delivery, while the direct running of Stephen Hunt can also cause problems for opposition, but in the middle of the park Nenad Milijas and Karl Henry do not create much between them – though Milijas does possess a wicked shot.

Is reinforcement needed at Molineux for the club to avoid relegation then, or can Wolves turn their performances into points?

Over to Mick McCarthy:

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll be fine with the players we have. Everything we’ve tried so far we’ve come up against obstacles,” said the Wolves manager.

“We’ve been thwarted by various factors including geography and players wanting to go elsewhere.

“I’m delighted with the one we’ve brought in [Adam Hammill] and we’ve got players coming back from injury.”

What is clear from McCarthy’s words though is that he has certainly made attempts to sign players, but has been ultimately unsuccessful, and now appears to be putting a brave face on things.

Here are ten prospective January transfer window signings then – as reported in the media elsewhere.

1. Mamadou Bagayoko

Nice striker (as in the football club based in the French city – though I don’t doubt he’s an amiable chap) Mamadou Bagayoko came to Wolves for a trial in November, but no word came out of the club after its conclusion.

Bagayoko though remains optimistic.

“We’ll talk again, maybe during the winter transfer window,” said the Mali international, who has an impressive 11 goals in 15 appearances for his country, but one gets the feeling he will not be playing at Molineux any time soon.

2. Leigh Griffiths

Leigh Griffiths is currently on trial at Wolves, and expected to sign soon. He could prove a real bargain for the club.

The Dundee forward has been prolific for the Scottish side, scoring 21 goals in 46 games.

Wolves reportedly offered £150,000 for his services, but though Dundee accepted the offer, the SFA turned it down due to the transfer embargo in place.

Now though, the deal is expected to go through, and at that price Griffiths can be of little risk to Wolves. Should he prove good enough to push Mick McCarthy’s first choice strikers for a place in the team, he will be an outstanding addition – though you have to feel for Dundee.

3. Robbie Keane (Mirror)

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ interest in signing a new striker is clear from the two names above, and the Daily Mirror has suggested Robbie Keane will rejoin the club.

It actually makes a lot of sense – though it is easy to get the feeling that the paper have noted a few connections and declared it ‘evidence’ a move will take place.

Spurs want to sell Robbie Keane. Robbie Keane used to play for Wolves. He was managed by Mick McCarthy for the Republic Of Ireland at the 2010 World Cup. His current strike partner at international level is Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.

It’s a certainty!

4. Grant Leadbitter

Ipswich midfielder Grant Leadbitter knows he is not going to play in the Premier League for Ipswich Town next season, and would probably be open to the attention of West Ham and Wolves – who the Express and Star say are the clubs interested.

They give a price tag of £2m for the midfielder, but the Tractor Boys most probably hope for a bidding war to be sparked between the two clubs.

5. Michael Johnson

Just a few years ago, Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson was considered one of the brightest prospects in England.

A wave of serious injuries have curtailed his progress though, and he has fallen down the pecking order at Eastlands.

Still, if Johnson could get anywhere near the player he was back then, he would make a dynamic force in midfield for Wolves.

He is likely to be available either on loan or at just £2m for his permanent signing.

6. Michael Brown

There’s just not enough steel in the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield, according to the Daily Mail. Karl Henry is clearly a massive pansy.

The Mail says they want to boost their ranks by signing Michael Brown from Portsmouth on a free transfer.

Brown looks as if he has played his last game for the club, as he is one appearance from securing a £35,000 bonus and year’s extension to his contract – which Pompey can scarcely afford.

Could Wolves step in to take the 33 year-old Brown off their books?

7. Joleon Lescott

A rather optimistic signing would be that of Joleon Lescott for Manchester City, but with Roberto Mancini looking to rebuild his defence, Lescott is reported by the Daily Mail as allowed to leave the club on loan.

The player himself has always indicated that he would be open to returning to Wolves at some point in the future.

“Wolves have been a massive part of my life. If the situation was right I’d always return,” he told the Independent recently.

Lescott gets a reasonable amount of game time at Manchester City, so whether that time is now remains doubtful.

There is another significant obstacle: Lescott’s £90,000 wages.

Unless Manchester City would help Wolves out, this deal is dead in the water before it has even begun.

8. Dedryck Boyata

Dedryck Boyata would be a more realistic loan option from Manchester City, but they will have to contest with Wigan Athletic for his services.

The young Belgian centre back has earned sporadic selection despite being far from a big name at Eastlands, but his rawness was highlighted in an early sending off in Manchester City’s 0-3 defeat to Arsenal at Eastlands.

If Mick McCarthy could coax the potential out of the 20 year-old though, he could be on his way to the top.

9. Danny Shittu

Danny Shittu is a free agent as of today, after leaving Millwall upon the expiry of his short term deal.

Shittu has top flight experience with clubs such as Watford and Bolton Wanderers, and would be a decent option in reserve for Wolves’ first choice centre backs.

He would almost certainly be interested in another opportunity in the Premier League.

10. Curtis Davies

The final centre half linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers recently has been Aston Villa’s Curtis Davies, who impressed in his 3 month spell at Leicester City.

Nevertheless he has been unable to break up the impressive partnership of Richard Dunne and James Collins in the Villa defence, and the 25 year-old believes he will have a better chance of first team football elsewhere.

On his day Curtis Davies is a great ball playing centre back, and one certainly worthy of a place in a Premier League side.

Wolves would do well to secure his loan signing ahead of Celtic and Stoke City.

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Roberto Mancini is looking to cut a swathe through his expansive Eastlands squad and has earmarked a list of nine players that he will happily accept offers for, whilst others who ‘s contracts expire will simply be allowed to leave.

The list includes Michael Johnson, Jo, Shay Given, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge, Nedum Onuoha and Craig Bellamy. Nine players who the Manchester City boss feels he can do without. The club’s mega rich board has no issue with allowing the Italian more cash to bring in new signings, as evidenced by their purchasing of £27m striker Edin Dzeko, however they will look to see Mancini to cut costs before they go overboard with new additions.

Of the nine named, Wayne Bridge is already on loan at West Ham, as is Craig Bellamy at Cardiff City. Emmanuel Adebayor has been linked with a move to Real Madrid but he may be prevented from leaving until Mario Balotelli’s injury issues are dealt with.

Shay Given wishes to leave to find first team football and will be allowed to join any team that is not in direct competition with Man City. Michael Johnson is keen to get a loan deal but may be sold off all together if the right offer comes in. Nedum Onuoha has had a great time on loan at Sunderland and Steve Bruce will in all likelihood look to sign the England hopeful on a permanent deal in the summer.

Shaun Wright-Phillip and Roque Santa Cruz will apparently leave the club on short team moves this week according to Mancini and the likes of Liverpool, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers are reportedly interested.

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Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson. The Eastlands midfielder has spent the best part of two seasons out injured or off form and it appears that Roberto Mancini sees the youngster as very surplus to requirements and Roy Hodgson is interested in bringing the former Everton youth team player back to Merseyside.

Johnson has not started a Premier League match since August 2008 but the Anfield boss believes the former England Under 21 has enough potential to forge a top tier career and hopes to persuade Man City to sell the player to Liverpool.

Roy Hodgson is under instructions to bring in additions that have suit the club’s long term plans and with the help of Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli Liverpool have begun constructing a list of preferred targets and Michael Johnson is a player that reportedly interests both parties.

A move for the 22 year old midfielder would cost around £8m and given that Mancini has been told to cut back on unneccesary costs the Eastlands club may well listen to offers for a player who appears to be very low down the Man City pecking order.

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Roque Santa Cruz has made the cut to be named in Manchester City’s Premier League squad.

The Blues had to announce their 25-man squad along with the rest of their Premier League rivals on Wednesday and Santa Cruz was a surprise inclusion given the speculation over his future during the summer.

Injury-hit midfielder Michael Johnson was also selected despite currently battling back from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Each club must name a minimum of eight home-grown players and Johnson’s inclusion meant that 12 of the 25 are classed as home-grown under Premier League rules having spent at least three seasons with a club affiliated to the FA prior to their 21st birthday.

Summer signing Mario Balotelli heads an extensive list of players aged under 21 who are also available for selection but do not take a place in the 25-man squad due to their age. There are no restrictions to selection for Carling Cup and FA Cup games.

Squad: Shay Given, Joe Hart, Stuart Taylor

Jerome Boateng, Wayne Bridge, Aleksander Kolarov, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Shaleum Logan, Micah Richards, Kolo Toure, Pablo Zabaleta

Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong, Adam Johnson, Michael Johnson, James Milner, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Patrick Vieira, Shaun Wright-Phillips

Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez. (Sky Sports)

Many felt that Paraguayan international may be left out of Roberto Mancini’s Premier League squad but the offloading of the likes of Craig Bellamy, Robinho and Felipe Caicedo clearly gave the Eastlands boss some room to manoeuvre.

Its a squad chock full of talent and experience and the Man City boss will hope will be able to break into a coveted top four spot.

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is considering moves for three Manchester City players who do not appear to be part of Roberto Mancini’s long term plans. The Anfield manager is working hard to bring in new additions on a shoestring budget and has already snapped up Jonjo Shelvey and Milan Jovanovic for next to nothing and now appears ready to tempt stars Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards and Michael Johnson.

Benitez is keen to add more ‘homegrown’ players into his squad ahead of the new regulations set to be enforced by the Premier League next season and has therefore earmarked moves for these three Englishman who have all represented their countries at various levels, with defender Richards being the only one of the trio to have earnt full international honours.

The Spaniard has been linked with moves for Michael Johnson for some time now but could consider this summer to be the right time to nab a player has had a string of problems both and off the field over the past two seasons during which time he has managed just three Premier League starts.

Micah Richards has been fighting for a regular first team spot for some time now and has been linked with moves away from the club with both Tottenham and Aston Villa reportedly expressing an interest in the player who was a regular in the England set-up when Steve McClaren was at the helm. Nedum Onuoha was a player that Mark Hughes rated highly and the Nigerian born former England Under 21 international put pen to paper on a five year contract last summer but since found himself out of the first team reckoning when Mancini arrived, consigning the defender to just five starts last term.

Whilst Liverpool may not be able to afford moves for all three of the players seemingly deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ at the City of Manchester Stadium, Rafa will apparently look to pounce for this £22m rated trio this summer, dependent on how much money he can make from offloading some of his squad players.

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Rafa Benitez will this summer attempt to nab Manchester City youngster Michael Johnson. Liverpool hope to persuade the former Everton trainee to leave Eastlands for Anfield in an attempt to resurrect his faltering career.

Injury problems, off field antics and a number of high profile new arrivals have limited the 22 year old to just 36 Premier League starts in four seasons and just three appearances in the last two seasons. Rafa Benitez has been linked with a move for the former England Under 21 star but will apparently make a concerted effort to snap up the talented central midfielder in the summer.

The Anfield boss is hoping that whomever takes over ownership from Tom Hicks and George Gillett will give him money to invest in his playing squad and Benitez is looking to increase his British contingent ahead of incoming Premier League ‘homegrown’ guidelines.

Johnson is valued at around £12m and Rafa is looking to offload some of his squad members to help fund new additions. Albert Riera,Charles Itandje and Philipp Degen are among those set to leave the club in the summer.

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Manchester City fans know what we’re talking about. They experienced a similar sensation at the end of last month upon seeing their one-time superstar in the making, Michael Johnson, lumber on to the field against West Ham showing all the signs of a young footballer who had “summered well”. From bursting on to the scene in 2006 to bursting at the seams today, the 21 year old midfielder is rumoured to be a £6m Christmas target of Harry Redknapp. And considering the lad’s size, the Tottenham manager is unlikely to miss. (Guardian)

Something happened to Michael Johnson. For a while he was the talk of the town but changes in management and some off the field errors have led the England Under 21 international to fall off the map somewhat.

In his first two seasons of senior football at Eastlands Johnson was in top form and showed maturity beyond his years first for Stuart Pearce and then more effectively under Sven Goran-Ericsson. However he has had a few run ins with Mark Hughes and has been plagued by some niggling injuries.

He still has time on his side but with the influx of players to the club he may feel the time is right to move on from Manchester City and given Harry Redknapp’s insistence that Tottenham need more options in the centre of their midfield, a move for the youngster would make perfect sense.

At White Hart Lane he could afresh and in time could fulfill the early potential that had many believing he would be a fixture in the England set-up. A new challenge could be just what suits all parties.

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The Rumour

Arsenal have sounded out Manchester City about the possibility of landing England under-21 international midfielder Michael Johnson this summer, in a deal estimated to be worth up to £8 million.

It is understood that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has offered £5 million cash and a further £3 million dependent on performances for the centre midfielder.

The Source: (Eye Football)

The Analysis

Even though this is indeed Arsenal now linked with a move for the Manchester City youngster Rafa Benitez could well do with considering making a move for the player once dubbed the “Next Steven Gerrard”. Michael Johnson started brightly when he first got his chance at Eastlands but has fallen back down the pecking order under Mark Hughes but is still a bright star for the future.

Liverpool were said to be interested in the youngster a year ago but their interest seems to have dimmed of late but now could be the right moment to stick in a cheeky bid.

Rafa seems to want to bring in more English talent, such as Glen Johnson and also illustrated by his desire to sign Gareth Barry, and the former Everton schoolboy could be a good capture as he has shown his potential in the past and could be purchased on the cheap as the club tries to trim it’s squad ahead of massive signings.

The Likelihood

Johnson to Liverpool: Would be an intelligent signing

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