Middlesbrough face fight to keep Adam Johnson

Jan 24 2010 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

The Londoners laughed that off, demanding £2 million for the 25-year-old, but a Loftus Road insider said: “Middlesbrough are an attractive proposition – and in the end money talks.”

Boro could yet pursue Routledge irrespective of Johnson’s immediate future, after Yeates’ switch to the Blades.

The Republic of Ireland star has revealed his sadness at the manner in which his spell on Teesside transpired.

Yeates said: “I would be lying if I told you I was not disappointed with the way things worked out at Boro.

“When a club of this stature wants you and the one you are at agrees a fee then it is a no-brainer.

“United have shown they have a great chance of going up this season, and there is no reason why they should not be right there in the mix. I cannot wait to get started.

“The fact the manager here seems so enthusiastic about having me is brilliant.

“As a player that is exactly what you want to hear, and I will not let him down.

“It fills you with confidence to know someone has wanted you for a while.”

Meanwhile, Boro midfielder Julio Arca has been linked with a move to Portuguese giants Benfica.