Krong Angkor

Manchester City swoop for Johnson

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Cash-rich Manchester City signed winger Adam Johnson from second-tier outfit Middlesbrough on Monday's transfer deadline day for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club announced.

The 22-year-old former England Under-21 international, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, has gone straight into the squad for Saturday's match against Hull.

Although the fee was undisclosed, it was reported City had paid six million pounds up front for Johnson, with further payments to Boro to follow based on appearances.

Johnson, who scored four goals in 19 games for England's Under-21 side, scored 13 goals in 96 appearances for 'Boro.

He made his senior debut for Middlesbrough in a UEFA Cup tie aged 17 and his Premier League debut six months later in a 2-1 home win over Arsenal.

"I've been at Middlesbrough for my whole career but I can't wait to get started," Johnson told Sky Sports. "I'm an ambitious person. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn't turn down."

City, bankrolled by Abu Dhabi based billionaire Sheikh Mansour, have become known for spending big on high-profile foreign signings such as Brazil forward Robinho, who joined for a British record 32.5 million pounds from Spanish giants Real Madrid but last month returned to Santos, his first club.

But City manager Roberto Mancini, speaking to City's website on Monday, said: "We are delighted that Adam has chosen to come here. He is a very good player with fantastic potential, and as a club we are always keen to sign British talent."

City are currently sixth in the Premier League, a point outside the Champions League places.