Manchester City are the new front runners to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson during the January transfer window.  The 22 year old has already scored 9 times for the Championship side this season and a host of Premiership sides have reportedly registered their interest, including Sunderland and Everton.

Yet both would likely be unable to match City's spending power and Eastlands manager Mark Hughes has reportedly made inquiries about the England under-21 star.  Johnson first came to prominence during the 2007-8 season and subsequently enjoyed a successful loan spell at Watford.  Since Stewart Downing's move to Aston Villa, Johnson has emerged as the star attraction at The Riverside.

Should City sign Johnson, it will only fuel speculation that Robinho is being lined up for a move away from City.  The Brazilian has generally been deployed by Mark Hughes on the left wing and the two recently clashed after Robinho joined up with the national squad despite not playing for City. The former Real Madrid winger returned to the City first team in the 1-1 draw with Hull yesterday.