Reports: Cats Come Clean On Johnson Talks

Whilst previously being touted as just social media speculation today saw Sky Sports News and other media outlets report SAFC's interest in Manchester City and England winger Adam Johnson, with the local lad looking like the next name on O'Neill's hitlist following indications that the Steven Fletcher deal is close to completion.

Manchester City have made no secret of their need to offload some players from their burgeoning squad and with Scott Sinclair seemingly on his way to the Etihad, Johnson's name was among those that Mancini is believed to be willing to let go despite just having agreed a new five-year deal with the Premier League Champions in January.

Despite the new lucrative deal Johnson has been frustrated with his lack of opportunities in the Manchester City setup and although there is also reported interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur it is The Black Cats who have had a bid accepted - thought to be in the region of £10m.

If Johnson is to join the club, this will be a deal which would surely break the current wage structure that is in place but also serve as a real statement of intent from Ellis Short and would undoubtedly be somewhat of a coup for the Black Cats.

For now it is a nail-biting wait for Sunderland fans with Johnson reportedly in the North East today for further talks and whilst Spurs could still yet make a bid to scupper our plans it is thought that Villa Boas has switched his attentions to Shakhtar Donesk's attacking midfielder Willian.