Mark Hughes' first transfer act as Manchester City boss could be to fend off an approach from Everton for Michael Johnson.
The Blues midfielder, who spent much of last season shrugging aside comparisons with Colin Bell and fighting abdominal injuries in equal measure, is a prime target for Goodison boss David Moyes.
England Under-21 international Johnson, who has played just 30 games since breaking into the first team, would command a fee of around £8m.
Sources on Merseyside last night confirmed that 20-year-old Johnson, who spent some time at Goodison as a junior, is a target for Everton, who are gearing up for a UEFA Cup campaign having claimed fifth slot in the table least season.
They are also keen to add to their midfield resources having said goodbye to Lee Carsley at the end of the season. They have previously been linked with Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone.
Ironically, the White Hart Lane club are also long-term admirers of Johnson.
However, with midfielders thin on the ground at City, Hughes may be loathe to sell Johnson who is known to have been miffed with the lack of recent progress over a pay increase that would bring him more into line with other young stars like Micah Richards.
The City chief has made it clear that he would make outstanding contract issues regarding the likes of Johnson, Joe Hart and Richard Dunne one of his first priorities.
Italian striker Bernardo Corradi has returned to the Blues' pay-roll after a spell with Parma in Serie A. He is, however, unlikely to stay long with another season-long loan - with either Siena or Bologna - on the cards.
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