O'Neill wants to bring England winger home to Wearside - and has
a cunning plan to play him on the left and James McClean on the
right
Martin O'Neill wants to offer Manchester City winger
Adam Johnson a chance to rekindle his England career.
Sunderland manager O'Neill has Johnson high on his wanted list
this summer, either as a loan or as a permanent deal, as he seeks
new recruits who'll improve the club's goals tally.
Johnson has lost his place in the international side while
struggling for regular football at Eastlands, so a switch 'home' to
Wearside - he is from nearby Easington - could be beneficial.
Although Johnson's City wages of £50,000 a week could be a
problem for Sunderland, they may be subsidised by his parent club
as part of any loan deal.
However, City boss Roberto Mancini, who has had doubts over the
24-year-old's attitude to defensive duties, could also consider a
get-your-money-back deal worth the £7million he paid Middlesbrough
for Johnson in 2010.
O'Neill wants a left winger despite young Ireland international
James McClean making his big breakthrough last season, as he
believes McClean could also be used on the right side.