Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson. The England international is reportedly seen by manager Rafa Benitez as his number one choice this summer.
Man City and Chelsea are also interested in the 24 year old England international, who started his career at West Ham before a £6m move to Chelsea after just 15 appearances for the Hammers. Since moving to Fratton Park in 2007 he has developed into one of the country’s best full-backs and established himself as England’s first choice right back.
On Saturday, Portsmouth executive Chairman Peter Storrie confirmed the club have received an offer in the region of £15m-£20m, believed to be from Liverpool or Chelsea, according to The Telegraph. Storrie admits he and Portsmouth would not stand in Johnson’s way if one of the big four came in for him, saying “It is very hard to try and hold people back when they have a chance to play in the Champions League. I accept that.”
While the Daily Mail report “Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to finance a deal for Glen Johnson over the weekend and hopes to unveil the England right back as his first summer signing in the next few days.”
They report the financial side being the main stumbling block for Benitez but that around £7m outstanding from the sale of Peter Crouch last summer may be used to top up the fee and bring it to around £17m.
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