Johnson Gers link denied

Boro weigh up loan move for winger

Last updated: 24th July 2008

Adam Johnson Middlesbrough

Johnson: Could be loaned out

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Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says the club have had no approach from Rangers for Adam Johnson, but hinted he could loan out the highly-rated winger.

Rangers have held a long-term interest in the England Under 21 international and are believed to be keen to lure him to Ibrox.

Johnson is highly-regarded at The Riverside, but has seen his path into the first team blocked by the form of Stewart Downing.

Southgate admits there has been a lot of interest in Johnson and he is weighing up the possibility of loaning out the midfielder so that he can get some regular action.

"We haven't had any contact from Ibrox yet and there are about 12 Championship clubs interested in taking Adam on loan so we're not short of offers," Southgate told the Daily Record.

Prospect

"He's a great prospect but Stewart Downing's ahead of him for us so we have to see how he gets on in pre-season.

"We need to work out whether to keep him here this season or if he needs a bit more experience. He's very young and still learning his trade.

"The Championship would be good for him but we had Josh Walker at Aberdeen last season and that worked out well."