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Bruce set to tempt Toffees into AJ sale
Wigan Athletic, 11:17, July 9, 2008 ,
Steve Bruce is reportedly leading the race for Everton striker Andrew Johnson amid claims Wigan will offer £10million for the player.
The Latics boss has been heavily linked with the 27-year-old England international hitman this summer, while Sunderland chief Roy Keane is a known admirer of the former Crystal Palace frontman.
However, while Everton boss David Moyes is keen to keep hold of Johnson at Goodison Park, it is thought a bid of £10million would be enough to tempt him into a sale given that the player struggled last term with only six goals in the Premier League.
Therefore if a good enough cash offer comes in and Johnson expresses a desire to leave, then a deal could well be in the offing, while Latics hold an advantage over Sunderland because a switch to the JJB Stadium means he would not have to move from his Cheshire home.
Bruce is desperate to bring in more firepower after already allowing Marcus Bent and Julius Aghahowa to leave, which leaves Emile Heskey, Marlon King, Antoine Sibierski and Henri Camara to pick from.
Injury problems has meant King has yet to prove himself after a big money move from Watford in January, Sibierski has been linked with a move away, while Bruce only met Camara for the first time at the start of pre-season training this week. The Senegal international spent last term on loan at West Ham.