Southgate explains AJ Spanish link

Gareth Southgate claims Real Madrid's reported interest in Boro winger Adam Johnson stems from coach Juande Ramos' time at Tottenham.

Press reports on Friday claimed the England Under-21 international was a shock January target of the Spanish giants who appointed Ramos as their new coach last week. And, while Boro boss Southgate played down the suggestions, he feels the link will have come about by virtue of the Spaniard keeping an eye on Johnson during his time at White Hart Lane.

He told the Gazette: "Ramos would have had the sporting director at Tottenham identifying young players in England. So, among the good young players, he's probably thrown Adam in as a name.

"All the players that have been listed are good young players - Adam is a good young player - but whether there's any credibility in it we'll find out, I suppose."

Johnson enjoyed a fine display in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal, and Southgate added: "I thought Adam was very bright. [Gael] Clichy dealt with him well apart from what should have been a penalty, but Jonno, I thought, did some very good things, especially in that first half when he and Tony [McMahon] combined well."