Sunderland look to North East rivals star Johnson

Sunderland are emerging as favourites to land Middlesbrough star Adam Johnson, skysports.com reports.

The Boro winger heralds from Sunderland and Steve Bruce wants to take him to the Stadium of Light.

Johnson is out of contract in the summer and Boro are under pressure to sell as the 22-year-old looks unlikely to agree a new deal.

The former England Under-21 star has rejected numerous contract offers and is understood to have shunned a renewed bid from Boro to prolong his stay.

However, the Black Cats will face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Everton - whilst Manchester United and Liverpool continue to keeps tabs on his progress.