Middlesbrough winger Johnson could still make Sunderland switch

Adam Johnson's future at Middlesbrough remains in doubt.

The Daily Mail says Johnson is back in the Middlesbrough squad for Tuesday night's match against Blackpool at the Riverside, but it still seems likely that the Sunderland-born 22-year-old winger will be sold in January.

Johnson was not in the squad at QPR on Saturday because of his mother's illness.

"He trained today and he's had a difficult week," manager Gordon Strachan said.

"We kept in contact with him all the time because it's not been a great week for him and his family. We're relieved now things are getting better for the family. We said, 'Come back when you're ready.'

"We needed to win on Saturday but the most important thing was his family."

Sunderland are the leading contenders for Johnson's signature despite interest from Chelsea.