Hughes 'close' to midfielder deal

Manchester City have offered star midfielder Michael Johnson a new five-year contract, according to reports.

Reports over the summer have credited the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton with an interest in the £10million-rated homegrown talent, who still has three years left on his current deal.

Eastlands officials are keen to ward off interest from rival clubs and have entered into talks with the England Under-21 international aimed at replacing his existing £12,000-a-week contract.

City boss Mark Hughes said recently: "It doesn't surprise me good players like him should attract interest, but I very much want him to stay and hopefully we can resolve his contract negotiations very quickly."