On the ball: Johnson has improved
dramatically
Chelsea
were last night locked in talks with Portsmouth over a
deal to take England defender Glen Johnson back to Stamford Bridge,
for a fee that could eventually reach £17million, despite interest
from Liverpool.
The right back, sold by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for
£4m less than two years ago, is with the England camp in
Kazakhstan, where he is expected to win his 14th cap on
Saturday.
For Liverpool it will mean they have been stunned for the second
day in succession by the speed of movement, and money on offer, of
a transfer rival. Only 24 hours earlier, they lost out to
Manchester City for Gareth Barry.
The Anfield club may respond today with an increased offer, but
manager Rafa Benitez needs to sell first and they cannot match
Chelsea’s spending power.
That means Johnson, 24, is set to follow Daniel Sturridge into
Stamford Bridge, with the deal probably completed early next
week.
It is believed England coach Fabio Capello recommended Johnson
to new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Johnson, then with West Ham, was Roman Abramovich’s first
signing for the club and, despite failing to impress Mourinho, has
since become one of the most cultured full backs in Europe.
Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday how Johnson was part of
Ancelotti’s wish-list when he tookover from Guus Hiddink. It is
thought Johnson’s conduct since leaving the club, as well as his
playing development, has impressed Chelsea. He refused to criticise
them and admitted he had to improve his game.
One source said yesterday: ‘He has behaved in a mature manner,
as well as improving as a player with regular first-team football.
Roman always liked him because of his attacking dare as a full
back. Jose did not always agree, but he’s
not at the club any more, is he?’
