MANCHESTER City will attempt to get over their Carling Cup disappointment by signing England Under-21 star Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough.

The Blues have lodged a bid for Johnson and they hope to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window.

Johnson scored twice for Boro in their victory over Doncaster on Tuesday but has been touted for a move away from the Riverside since the Teessiders were relegated last season.

The 22-year-old is a product of the prolific Boro academy, despite being born in nearby Sunderland.

Although he was largely viewed as a deputy to Stewart Downing, the winger’s longterm injury and subsequent move to Aston Villa offered Johnson the chance to shine and he has taken the extra responsibility in his stride.

As Boro at the moment look unlikely to reclaim their place in the top flight for next season, a move may appeal to Johnson, particularly to a club like City, who are on the rise, despite last night’s semifinal setback at Old Trafford.

Certainly money would not appear to be a stumbling block to any possible deal, so, if Johnson believes it represents a step forward, it is hard to imagine it will fail to be pushed through.

However, despite the speculation that has surrounded him of late, Johnson insists that staying focused on playing for Middlesbrough remains his priority.

Chelsea, Everton and Sunderland, as well as City, are leading the chase for the leftwinger ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Johnson proved inspirational in the 4-1 win at Doncaster, his two goals both coming from outside the penalty area and his driving run in the build up to Jonathan Franks’ first senior goal proving that Johnson will continue to perform for as long as he remains at the Riverside Stadium.

Despite being aware he is being courted by Premier League clubs, Johnson claims the speculation has actually contributed to his exceptional performances.

“The manager (Gordon Strachan) is right when he says that I’m enjoying playing for this club this season,” said Johnson, who is also believed to have been the subject of a £6m-plus offer from Wolves.

“This has been the best season I have had with the club and it has felt great from a personal point of view.

“I just have to get on with the football and whatever happens will happen. I can’t think about anything else.

“When you are on the pitch you tend to forget about it. If anything, all the attention gives you confidence. Personally speaking, it definitely does, because it’s nice to be talked about and when I’m talked about I like to go out and show why people are talking about me.”

With his contract up for renewal at the end of the season, there is an acceptance within the corridors of power at the Riverside Stadium that Johnson will be leaving at the end of his existing deal.

But with Middlesbrough due compensation through a tribunal because he is under the age of 24, there is no rush to sell him before Monday’s 5pm deadline unless their valuation, which could be as much as £9m, is met.

“I’ve had brief chats with the manager but I’m just getting on with the football side of things,” said Johnson.

“That’s all I can do. I enjoyed scoring the two goals for Middlesbrough on Tuesday and we just have to wait and see what happens.

“It’s been a good season for me and there’s nothing more I would like to see than the team going straight back up.

It looks like we have lost a bit of ground but whatever happens is going to happen, we just have to see. I’m just thinking about football.”

■ Burnley have signed former Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver until the end of the season.

Weaver, 30, was on trial with Middlesbrough last week.