Boro star flattered by Real

Johnson honoured by interest from Spanish giants

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 16th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Boro star flattered by Real

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Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson has admitted that he is honoured by Real Madrid's interest in signing him in January, but already knows that Juande Ramos is a fan of his.

The 21-year-old winger has been strongly linked with a switch to the Bernabeu in the winter transfer window after impressing the new coach at the Spanish club last term.

Ramos sent scouts to watch him play for Middlesbrough, according to Johnson, and then tried to sign him for Tottenham during the summer, but saw his efforts rebuffed by the North East club.

"It is a great honour that Madrid have set their sights on me and I feel very flattered," he told AS.

"Last summer there was a lot of talk about me joining Tottenham and I know that Juande sent various scouts to see me in different games last season.

"Also I know that now he has gone to Madrid and that they are looking for wide players to sign in January."

With Madrid requiring a new left winger, Johnson has compared himself to the player that he could well be lining up alongside on the opposite flank in the New Year.

"I play like Robben. I like to dribble with the ball, to go for goal and to look for one-on-one situations," he added.

Since taking over at Madrid, Ramos has been linked with various Premier League-based stars, but Johnson appears to be the most realistic with Ashley Young and Aaron Lennon being outside of the Spanish club's budget.