It was only a matter of time before we were linked with the forward. With three of our four strikers looking likely to be elsewhere (be it Celtic, a move abroad or a golf course) come August, we will continue to be touted as possible suitors to the likes of Johnson, Owen and Yakubu.
Johnson is possibly another in the long line of one hit wonders to take the Premiership by storm before the subsequent international cap and inevitable downfall. Phillips, Ricketts and Beattie are all examples of international debutants who have failed to sustain their
Maybe Johnson will be different. The
Johnson will no doubt be given further opportunities by Sven Goran-Eriksson. A move to a bigger club is essential however if the bald headed forward is to recognise his potential. Newcastle are certainly in the market for at least one striker and Johnson, a player who could be part of a team heading back to the Coca Cola Championship, would command a fee in the region of £5-8million. If Palace were to survive the drop then that fee may be nearer the £8million mark.
The forward certainly possesses pace and an eye for goal. His energy and hunger may be looked upon by Graeme Souness as a more suitable replacement for the lacklustre approach of Patrick Kluivert. You get the feeling that the Dutchman is going to have to score a hatful of goals between now and May if an extension to his lucrative £67,000 a week contract is to be offered. If indeed the ex-Barcelona front man actually wants an extension.
Johnson won’t be the only striker heralded as ‘Alan Shearer’s replacement’ in the coming months. Michael Owen appears to be a popular choice on Tyneside to make a switch from the Bernabeu in the summer. Owen came off the bench last night to notch the equaliser in Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Osasuna. The