There have been a few whispers for the last couple of weeks that we are very close to signing Gary O’Neill from relegated Middlesbrough. Goal have gone a little further than that and suggested that we might entice the highly-rated Adam Johnson away from the Riverside as well.
If I’m honest, I’d be surprised if we were to sign Johnson. He’s been linked with a whole host of top sides – even Real Madrid at one stage – and has undoubted quality. He’s a versatile player, as he can operate either on the left or right wing, and is still young enough to really develop. It would be great if the double signing came off but I’ll remain cautious until I see them both in Fulham shirts.
As a Boro fan I’d say you’re more than welcome to O’Neil, who frankly has been a major disappointment in 2 years on Teesside. Then again he has been angling for a move back South for the best part of that, so its maybe we never saw the best of him.
I can’t honestly see you getting Johnson. He has a year on his contract and looks like winding that down, hence the speculation in the paper that Boro will flog him. Nonsense – if Downing goes then Boro will hang on him for the season as he will be vital to any form of promotion push. If he does go it will to be someone bigger than Fulham, no disrespect meant there.
The rumours of an £8m swoop for the pair have to be some kind of an attempt at humour as Johnson is worth more than that on his own.
As the above commentator, I’d happily flog you O’Neil as he offers endeavour but precious little talent. Johnson won’t be going anywhere unless someone makes a daft bid way in excess of that.
Despite what the tabloids are reporting, Boro don’t need to trim their squad (quite the reverse), or sell to survive. It has been accepted that the likes of Downing and Tuncay have been great servants and deserve to play at the highest level and so we’ll let them go for a decent fee. Otherwise there’s no pressure to sell anyone under contract.