Johnson setback could keep winger at Eastlands
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits Adam Johnson's injury could restrict any potential move away from Eastlands for Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Johnson picked up a serious ankle injury in training on Thursday which has ruled the creative midfielder out for three months.
Wright-Phillips has requested a move away from City ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, having failed to pin down a regular first-team spot under Mancini this term.
However, the Premier League club are understood to have turned down his request, with no acceptable bids coming in for the 29-year-old, who has made just two league starts this season.
And manager Mancini, who has previously hinted Wright-Phillips could stay at the club, has confirmed the pacey winger is likely to be needed after Johnson's injury struck a severe blow to his midfield options.
Difficult
"I can understand his position," said Mancini.
"We haven't had any offers for Wright-Phillips at this moment but it is difficult for Shaun to join another team now.
"We still have another 24 hours, so anything can happen but it probably affects it."
Wright-Phillips has been frequently linked with a move away from Eastlands this month, with a host of Premier League clubs thought to be interested in his signature.
Fulham have previously expressed their interest in the England international and are understood to be monitoring the situation, with former City boss Mark Hughes keen to work with the winger again at Craven Cottage.
Johnson picked up a serious ankle injury in training on Thursday which has ruled the creative midfielder out for three months.
Wright-Phillips has requested a move away from City ahead of Monday's transfer deadline, having failed to pin down a regular first-team spot under Mancini this term.
However, the Premier League club are understood to have turned down his request, with no acceptable bids coming in for the 29-year-old, who has made just two league starts this season.
And manager Mancini, who has previously hinted Wright-Phillips could stay at the club, has confirmed the pacey winger is likely to be needed after Johnson's injury struck a severe blow to his midfield options.
Difficult
"I can understand his position," said Mancini.
"We haven't had any offers for Wright-Phillips at this moment but it is difficult for Shaun to join another team now.
"We still have another 24 hours, so anything can happen but it probably affects it."
Wright-Phillips has been frequently linked with a move away from Eastlands this month, with a host of Premier League clubs thought to be interested in his signature.
Fulham have previously expressed their interest in the England international and are understood to be monitoring the situation, with former City boss Mark Hughes keen to work with the winger again at Craven Cottage.
Post a Comment