Clubcall: Rivals priced out of move for Reds target

Sunderland look likely to be priced out of a move for Adam Johnson of Manchester City, which could leave the way clear for Liverpool.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has been targeting a move for the winger, who is finding first-team football almost impossible to come by at Eastlands, and would possibly welcome a switch back to his native north east but the asking price is likely to be too high.

New Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been given money to spend by the owners and is looking to stamp his own mark on the side and, with the departure of Dirk Kuyt to Fenerbahce, he is after more width.

Sunderland were hoping to get the winger on a loan for a season, but City have decided that they no longer want to lend players to their Premier League rivals and then subsidise their high wages, so the Reds are ready to step in.

Johnson, who was born in Sunderland, signed a five-year deal with City seven months ago and is said to earn as much as £70,000-a-week, another stumbling block to a move to the Stadium of Light, but not to Anfield.

Source: Clubcall