Boro boss doubts Johnson link

Southgate sceptical of Real talk

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th December 2008

Boro boss doubts Johnson link

Johnson: Madrid target?

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Gareth Southgate is refusing to read too much into Real Madrid's reported interest in Adam Johnson.

The Boro winger was identified as a surprise target for the Spanish giants last week, with a New Year approach from the Primera Liga champions widely touted.

However, with former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos now in charge at Santiago Bernabeu, Southgate believes the speculation has been born out of scouting missions the Spaniard commissioned during his time at White Hart Lane.

"Ramos would have had the sporting director at Tottenham identifying young players in England," Southgate told the Evening Gazette.

"So, among the good young players, he's probably thrown Adam in as a name.

"All the players that have been listed are good young players - Adam is a good young player - but whether there's any credibility in it we'll find out I suppose."