Manchester City hope to outbid Chelsea for Portsmouth fullback Glen Johnson.

The Daily Express says City have told Pompey they will pay a staggering £18million for Johnson, with Chelsea also ready to splash out on a player they sold for just £4m two years ago.

There is believed to be a clause in his contract that allows Johnson to quit Fratton Park if Portsmouth receive a bid in excess of £12m, but that now appears to be insignificant.

Other than offering a big transfer fee, City are also willing to hand Johnson a £120,000-a-week salary to convince him to follow Gareth Barry and turn his back on the chance of Champions League football next season.