Sunderland have emerged as the front-runners to capture the prized signature of Middlesbrough's highly-rated winger Adam Johnson, according to skysports.com.

As ExtraFootie told you a fortnight ago Black Cats boss Steve Bruce and Eric Black were spotted at the Riverside Stadium where they watched Johnson, 22, net a double in Boro's 2-0 win over Derby County.

And now it appears that Bruce is set to follow up his interest with a formal offer to lure the former England Under-21 star to the Stadium of Light in the New Year.

Johnson has been in devastating form for Boro this season, netting eight goals in 16 Championships appearances, and has attraced the interest of Everton and Chelsea.

With his contract due to expire on Teeside at the end of the current campaign and having shunned numerous contract offers from Boro to date, Johnson could very well bo on the move come January.

A £4million fee has been mooted in the press with Bruce believed to be willing to stump up the cash as he looks to build on his side's impressive start to the season, which saw them beat title hopefuls Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic left-back Maynor Figueroa remains a target for the Black Cats, while reports in the North East suggest Bruce is also keeping tabs on West Brom's Scottish midfielder Graeme Dorrans.