As the transfer deadline draws nearer, one of the most familiar battles of this summer is set to happen once more – Both Liverpool and Tottenham chasing the same player, Adam Johnson of Manchester City, sick and tired of sitting on Roberto Mancini’s bench.

Mancini has already agreed to give Johnson, 25, a release for the right price as he’s no longer in his plans for the future and wouldn’t want to stand in his way. Since being signed from Middlesbrough for £7 million, Johnson has played in 73 league matches, scoring 11 goals, but only 39 of those matches were starts and his tenure at Eastlands progressed, it seemed like Mancini had less and less use of him.

Maybe because he isn’t as expensive as some other player; maybe because he’s English, which is good to have in the squad but not a first choice in the lineup for a team with such a foreign feel to it, or maybe he simply wasn’t good enough.

Whatever the reason may be, there’s plenty of interest in the left-footed winger who can play on both flanks. Sunderland have already made an offer for Johnson worth £10 million, but it’s unlikely that’ll he’ll choose the black cats, preferring a club that’s a bit more ambitious and with a bit more glamour in its name. Liverpool, or Tottenham.

Both teams have yet to submit an official offer, but they’ve already made an enquiry regarding the availability of the player, and seeing as the pressure to succeed and soon with both clubs is rather high after opening day losses at the Hawthorns and St. James’ Park, their urgency to squeeze in one more signing before its too late will probably press them to make an offer very soon.

A return to Liverpool for Johnson will be very interesting due to the fact that Stewart Downing is there as well. Johnson was sort of the heir of Downing back Borough after he was purchased by Aston Villa, and it’s very likely that his addition to the squad at Anfield will cut into Downing’s playing time, unless Brendan Rodgers has other plans.