Real Madrid are reported to be considering a bid for Liverpool’s Glen Johnson. The current La Liga leaders are said to be closely monitoring the contract situation of the 29 year old and preparing a £5 million bid in the summer.
Johnson’s contract expires at the end of next season and negotiations on a new deal have been put on hold at Anfield. The Daily Telegraph reports that the club owners, Fenway Sports Group, will not offer the player an increase in salary as they are reluctant to enter into big money deals with players 30 years or older. Johnson is currently on £110,000 per week and it appears any new deal at Anfield would not exceed this.
Real were first reported to be interested in Johnson in early 2012, with a price tag of £12.5m mooted then. Manger Carlo Ancellotti now sees Johnson as a suitable replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arsenal are also reported to be keeping an eye on Johnson’s situation, with the Gunners looking for a replacement for Bacary Sagna, who they expect to lose at the end of the season to either Inter Milan or Galtasaray.
Johnson spoke in March about his desire to sign a new contract at Anfield, and see out his career with Liverpool, and of the club’s lack of contact over the issue.
“I've loved every minute of the five years I've been here and I'd love to stay but really the only truth in it is that I've not been offered a new contract on any level,” Johnson said.
“I know some people have been saying Liverpool don't want to pay me my current wages, but I've not heard that. No-one has come to me from Liverpool at all. I don't know the situation the club are in or if they want to renew it. So I've not got a decision to make other than to see my contract out because no-one is telling me any different.”
“It is an unnecessary distraction. I'm more than happy to sign a new contract and I'd love to stay here for many more years. But at the moment that is not for me to decide because I've not been offered anything and I've not been told I'm going to be sold.
“I just have to honour my contract and try not to let it distract me,” he added.
Image: Liverpool's Glen Johnson ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
