AJ on the move?

[Evertonscouser]

Liverpool Echo

EVERTON were today waiting to hear from Andrew Johnson whether he has reached a decision about his future plans.

The Blues have steadfastly declared that they do not want to sell their former club record signing, but now want to know whether Johnson feels the same way.

Wigan Athletic head the pack of six clubs who have enquired about the England international and are ready to pay £10m to take him to the JJB Stadium.

Boss Steve Bruce returned to work today and it is understood the Latics would, ideally, like any potential transfer to be completed by the time they go on a training camp to Austria next week.

Sunderland are also waiting in the wings but, with Johnson and his young family settled in the north west, a move to Wearside is unlikely to appeal.

However, Everton - who have not been ruffled by fresh comments attributed to Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito, claiming he favours a move to Genoa over the Premier League - want to know Johnson’s intentions before they proceed with any deal.

During the two years he has been at Goodison, Johnson has not been a stranger to transfer speculation, but whenever stories have linked him with moves away, he has been quick to issue emphatic denials. That has not been the case on this occasion.

You cannot put a price on the workrate and threat AJ's pace offers. But this season his technical ability just hasnt been there. He has struggled with passing, shooting and first touch. I still like him but if someone was to make a bid of 12million upwards, and a replacement can be bought, it would be excellent business.