Whites target Johnson can leave Manchester City

Roberto Mancini has given Leeds United target Michael Johnson the green light to leave Manchester City – with the Whites at the front of the queue to land the coveted midfielder.
Boyhood Leeds fan Johnson, well down the pecking order at Eastlands after two injury-ravaged seasons, is poised to leave City ahead of the close of the transfer window on Monday.

The midfielder, who burst onto the scene at City as a teenager, is set to leave on loan, with boss Mancini confirming that the 22-year-old, whose last first-team appearance was way back in October 2009, needs to play first-team football to bolster his match fitness.

But the Whites face a tug-of-war with Leicester City, whose manager Sven Goran Eriksson worked with Johnson during his time at City.

However, the Urmston-born ace has already stated he is receptive to the idea of joining Leeds.

Mancini, said of possible outward transfer candidates: "Maybe Michael Johnson because I think that he needs to play. It is important for him, so if we have a chance, Michael Johnson (will go).

Meanwhile, the Whites' home clash with Nottingham Forest will now kick off at 12.45pm on Saturday April 2 – and will be screened live on BBC1.