IT'S little wonder there are so many clubs weighing up how strongly to move for Adam Johnson .

This is a player capable of playing on either flank, can use either foot and has the ability to torment the best full-backs in the best defences around.

If Sunderland can pull off a deal for the Manchester City man then it will be an absolute masterstroke.

He is open to the idea of returning to his native North-East, where Sunderland and Newcastle have expressed an interest.

Johnson should be playing in the Champions League, but there seems to be a lack of takers at that level. He is a match-winner and they are hard to come by.

Yes, Liverpool are keen. Yes, Tottenham are keen. Yes, Everton are keen. Surprisingly, though, there has been little to suggest a move to a Champions League club could be on the cards.

For that reason Sunderland have a great chance. As they are prepared to put up the £10m asking price then it will be down to coming up with a package to persuade him to head to Wearside .

It is a very strong possibility - even if the numbers don't seem to add up when you think about the reputed £75,000-a-week wage he is thought to be on at City.

That said, Sunderland should be doing all they can to get him now. The longer the deal takes to be concluded, the greater the chance of a Champions League club coming in.

To have a player of Johnson's ability at Sunderland this season would lift the whole of Wearside after a largely inactive summer on the transfer front.

Martin O'Neill will know that, he will also know the 25-year-old will add an extra dimension to Sunderland's attacks.

Now it is all about getting the deal done. If Sunderland can pip the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham - who both seem to have other priorities financially - to Johnson, it will be a real statement of intent.