[Mighty T.A.L.]

City begin Johnson talks

Manchester City have opened talks with starlet Michael Johnson in a bid to keep him at the club, skysports.com can confirm.

The 19-year-old midfielder is an England youth international, who has made a big impact on the first-team picture at Eastlands.

He made his debut late last year and went on to make ten Premiership starts for City - and was one of the few highlights in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Johnson's displays, though, are known to have caught the eye of a number of top managers and Rafa Benitez is believed to be very keen on luring him to Liverpool.

Johnson has three years left on his current deal, but City are ready to offer him fresh terms following his breakthrough into the first team and they hope that will fend off any potential interest.

The player's agent Peter Harrison confirmed that talks are ongoing.

"I can confirm we are holding talks with Manchester City about a new contract," Harrison told skysports.com.

"Michael is an outstanding talent and made a huge impact last season.

"We are now looking to sort out his future and are talking with the club."

Source: Skysports