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Bruce turns to England striker
Wigan Athletic, 14:04, July 8, 2008 ,
Wigan are ready to slug it out with Sunderland to sign Everton striker Andy Johnson, according to reports.
JJB boss Steve Bruce is desperate to bolster his attacking options and has been linked with the likes of Venezuela scoring sensation Daniel Arismendi, South American Footballer of the Year Salvador Cabanas and Egypt striker Amr Zaki.
Now, however, he is ready to turn to Johnson and test Everton's resolve to hang on to their £10million-rated striker.
Bruce could face competition from his old Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane at Sunderland and West Ham for Johnson, who Everton insist is not for sale.
Everton manager David Moyes told his official club website recently: "Andy Johnson is not for sale - it is that simple.
"He is a highly-valued member of my senior squad and I look forward to seeing him when the players report back for pre-season training."
Johnson has scored 22 goals in all competitions since his move from Crystal Palace for £8.6million in 2006. He only signed a new five-year deal with the club in November 2007 after being linked to the Hammers.