Chelsea in pole position to sign Johnson
Chelsea have emerged as the favourites to win the race for Glen Johnson.
But any potential deal is not likely to be completed this week.
A summer scramble for the Pompey star's signature has begun, with bids between 17-18m so far lodged in a move to prise the England international away from Fratton Park.
Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie has also given the prospective move the green light after this weekend publicly admitting he expected Johnson to go.
It is understood a verbal agreement is in place that the 24-year-old can leave should a Champions League team show interest.
And that opens the door for Chelsea, as well as long-time suitors Liverpool.
Manchester City have also tabled an offer, although do not fulfil the criteria of having qualified for the Champions League.
But it is Chelsea Johnson favours, a switch which would see him return to the club he left less than two years ago.
The Pompey right-back is eager to return to the team where he endured a miserable time as largely a fringe player before Fratton Park resurrected his career.
He remains great friends with Chelsea skipper John Terry from his previous spell there and is next-door neighbours with Ashley Cole.
A Londoner, Johnson would also prefer to stay close to his roots rather than move to the other end of the country.
However, the move would hinge on the future of Jose Bosingwa, who in turn has been linked with a switch to Bayern Munich.
Manchester City are strong contenders and certainly have the financial clout, while Liverpool are also interested.
Yet with Johnson currently on his holidays, any move may take a little while longer to finalise.
The right-back has just enjoyed a fine season with the Blues, scooping various player-of-the-year awards.
But he is keen to move on to help cement his place as England's first-choice right-back ahead of next summer's World Cup.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
