Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is preparing a Janauary raid on Middlesbrough for their star winger Adam Johnson.

The £5million rated youngster has lit up the Championship this season, despite being part of a 'Boro side that are struggling.

Gordon Strachan's men sit in elevnth place in the table before today's clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Cardiff City, but a convincing win could lift them to within touching distance of the play-off places, such is the nature of the division.

Johnson is coveted by a number of Premier League clubs, but had pledged that his future remains at Riverside in recent times.

This has not deterred Black Cats boss Steve Bruce however who is preparing a bid of around £5million to secure Johnson's services.

Since the departure of Stewart Downing to Aston Villa, Johnson has thrived on Teesside and the England U21 man is widely regarded to be good enough to shine at the top level.

Bruce is desperate to make further additions to his squad at the Stadium Of Light after seeing his troops stutter in recent weeks and he sees Johnson as the ideal new recruit.