United move for Johnson as Obertan nears fitness
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.