Latics join Sunderland in Johnson interest

Last updated : 07 July 2008 By Paul Farrington
Neither club wants to pay over the odds for the England international forward after Johnson had a quiet season last time round, but with his family settled in the North West, Johnson is said to prefer a move to the JJB.

However Everton boss David Moyes doesn't want to let the striker go and has thus put a £12 million price tag on Johnson's head.

Ivan Klasnic however will not be joining the Latics after revealing that he prefers to play in warmer climbs following his double kidney transplant. His body is better maintained in the warmer weather and as a result Mallorca are likely to win the race for the 28 year old's signature.

Third choice goalkeeper Carlo Nash is being linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday. Nash joined the Latics for £150,000 from Preston North End in January last season and has yet to feature for the first team.

Nash had a loan spell with newly promoted Stoke City last season, but the Potteries club has moved for Sunderland stopper Fulop rather than chase Nash on a permenant basis.

Meanwhile, the club have today confirmed that seven of the current youth crop have been given professional contracts.

Luke Ashworth, Lewis Field, Matty Hampson, Joe Holt, Craig Mahon, Andrew Pearson and Jon Routledge have all signed deals at the JJB Stadium.

Bruce told the club's official website: "They all now have a chance to prove themselves. We feel they have the potential to develop into Wigan players of the future but now it's up to them to show me and the rest of the staff here that they have what it takes."