Luis Nani’s place in the Manchester United team is once again under threat with speculation that the club is looking at bringing in Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson. The 22-year-old left-winger, who has 19 England under-21 caps, is out of contract next summer and will be available for a cut-price fee in January.
Johnson’s place in the team at Middlesbrough has been strengthened with the departure Stewart Downing to Aston Villa. The Sunderland-born winger has put in a series of outstanding performances for the Championship club. But the player, who has also been linked with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, will leave on a Bosman free transfer unless ‘Boro strike a deal in the January window. Johnson, who has consistently turned down a new deal at Middlesbrough, will command limited compensation because he is under-24.
Meanwhile, Nani’s place in the United side will also come under threat from French winger Gabriel Obertan who is nearing full fitness. The player, signed from Bordeaux for £3 million in the summer, has begun full training at Carrington this week. Obertan has suffered with a long-term back problem and is yet to make his début for the club.