[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool move for £12 City midfielder

Liverpoool have launched a £12million move to sign Manchester City's Michael Johnson in the summer, according to reports.

The Daily Mail believes that it is the Liverpool boss's third attempt to take the 20-year-old midfielder to Anfield and evidence that the Spaniard is intent on building up his squad.

Liverpool renewed their approach to City in the past few days and negotiations are at an advanced stage, with Johnson's heart set on a switch that was first mooted about a year ago.

Benitez is committed to capturing Johnson whether or not Sven Goran Eriksson succeeds in tempting Peter Crouch to Eastlands in a swap proposal that was set up to take place in January.

The exchange was put on ice when Johnson underwent surgery on a groin injury and Portsmouth have since mounted an attempt to lever Crouch from Eriksson's grasp.

But Benitez wants Johnson anyway and will offer either straight cash or players in part-exchange.

Source: Lancashire Evening Post, Lancashire, Preston, North End, PNE, news, sport, business, education, transport, travel, traffic, latest, updates, local, regional, national, M6, international, Deepdale, Sir Tom Finney, weird world, newspaper, morecambe, re

IMO Liverpool don't need another centre mid. There are other positions Liverpool need to reinforce first...