Sunderland and Wigan fighting a £10m battle to sign Everton striker Johnson

Sunderland and Wigan are closing in on Everton striker Andy Johnson after indicating they are prepared to match the £10million asking price. The England international, signed from Crystal Palace for £8.6m two years ago, has grown frustrated at Everton following the arrival of Yakubu from Middlesbrough which has limited his starting chances and often reduced him to a substitute's role. Crossroads: Andy Johnson may have to choose between Sunderland and Wigan if both clubs have bids accepted by Everton. Although manager David Moyes would be happy to keep the player he realises his sale can help finance other moves, with Tottenham striker Darren Bent a likely target. Sportsmail exclusively revealed last month that Sunderland had switched their sights to Johnson after, ironically, growing frustrated in their own pursuit of Bent... [read full story]