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Manchester City submit fresh £6m bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:16 AM on 01st February 2010

Manchester City are believed to have made an increased bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

The Blues had a £5million offer for the 22-year-old rejected last week but are now thought to have contacted the Teesside outfit once more with a substantially
improved bid.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan has stated he expects Johnson to still to be at the Riverside after tomorrow's 5pm transfer deadline. 

City bound: Adam Johnson

However, chairman Steve Gibson might be reluctant to turn down increased terms for a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season. 

Johnson was part of the Middlesbrough side that was held to a goalless draw by Bristol City yesterday. A product of Boro's highly-rated academy, despite being born in Sunderland,
Johnson remained with the club following their relegation from the Premier
League last term and it was anticipated he would be part of the club's push for
promotion.

Instead, as results have proved difficult for Strachan to come by, Johnson has found himself linked with several top-flight clubs. However, he is said to have informed Boro officials last week of his desire to
hear what City are offering and that is only likely to intensify as tomorrow's
deadline draws near.

The exit of record signing Robinho for Santos has created a space on the left of City's midfield, although it would put him in competition with Craig Bellamy
and Martin Petrov.
Johnson's ability to play on the right, as he did so often for Boro before
Stewart Downing's summer move to Aston Villa, would be an asset for manager
Roberto Mancini. 

Target: McDonald Mariga

And, after moving to within a point of a top-four place by beating Portsmouth at Eastlands this afternoon, City are keen to maintain their momentum and are determined not to miss out on their stated aim by not having enough depth in
their squad.

City hope today to complete the £7m signing of McDonald
Mariga from Parma.

The Eastlands have rushed through a work permit application for Mariga so they can beat Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan to the player.