SUNDERLAND look to have won the race to sign �3million Middlesbrough star Adam Johnson. (The Sun)

Winger Johnson, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season and, if he waited until the summer to clinch a move to the Premier League, his fee would have to be settled at a compensation tribunal.

However, Black Cats boss Steve Bruce wants the England Under-21 star in the January transfer window and there have been talks with their North-East rivals.

Bruce was tracking Johnson even before he took over on Wearside and knows there is competition for the player's signature.

As a result, Sunderland are now ready to come up with an immediate cash offer to Boro.

It was even rumoured Spanish giants Real Madrid were keeping tabs on the player at one stage.

Everton are another club who have been strongly linked with Johnson and boss David Moyes watched the winger recently.

But Johnson, a product of Boro's academy system, is believed to favour a move to the Stadium of Light.

Meanwhile, Bruce has abandoned plans to sign a new goalkeeper because he says number one Craig Gordon is proving to be the "real deal". (Daily Telegraph)