By Paul Hetherington
ADAM JOHNSON is on the way out of Manchester City after Sunderland offered £10million for the England winger.
The bid from Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill is acceptable to City – but Johnson is likely to delay a decision while he weighs up his options.
Everton are also keen and there could be interest from Spurs and West Ham.
Liverpool were in the race and City were ready to offer a £27m package for Anfield centre-back Daniel Agger, made up of cash plus Johnson.
But Liverpool don’t want to lose the Danish defender and have now signed another winger – Oussama Assaidi from Heerenveen in a £3m deal.
Johnson, meanwhile, has refused to confirm that he wants to establish himself at City – but insists he has not had a bust-up with boss Roberto Mancini.
The Sunderland-born winger, 25, said: “It’s not true that there has been a bust-up.
“I haven’t really spoken to him – but I will. In the next few weeks we’ll find out what is happening.”
Johnson believes not playing regularly at City was the reason he did not make the England Euro 2012 squad.
“I think that was part of why I missed out in the summer, as I didn’t play regularly enough,” he said.
“That is in the past now but I think that is important. If Roy Hodgson wants me in the England set-up – and I enjoyed every minute of playing against Italy on Wednesday – that is all that matters.”
Mancini admits that he understands Johnson’s current frustration.
The City boss said: “I’m happy for him after his performance with England. Adam is a player who deserves to play because he’s a good player.
“But it is not easy for me because I can play only eleven players. I can understand why he’s frustrated.”
City, meanwhile, are back in talks with Spurs about a deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.
The ex-Arsenal striker was a success on loan at White Hart Lane last season.
