A host of Premiership clubs are chasing Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson.

The Times says Everton and Villa are ready to make offers for the England U21 international.

Johnson has turned down City's offer of a five-year contract, which has revived interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool, who bid £4million for him last summer. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has been monitoring Johnson, 20, after two central midfield players, Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini, left the club this summer.