Wolves plan Johnson raid

Wolves are looking for someone to rival Michael McIndoe for the left-wing spot and see 19-year-old Johnson as the perfect candidate.

But they may face competition from other suitors in the Championship, including Albion, who wanted him last season.

Johnson has been tipped for a bright future – with some observers rating him as better than Boro's England international Stuart Downing was at the same age.

The youngster played five times for Leeds during a month-long loan spell in October last year – and is understood to be keen to play regular first-team football this season.

The tricky winger has played 25 times for Boro after making his debut in the UEFA Cup aged just 17. He ended the season in the Middlesbrough team, but faces serious competition from Downing for a regular spot.

Wolves are also understood to be interested in Newcastle's speedy winger Alan O'Brien, who was linked with a Molineux move last season.

O'Brien was one of the major successes of Republic of Ireland's recent North American tour. The 19-year-old is out of contract and searching for regular first-team opportunities.

Gobern's Wolves future remains unclear after it emerged that the club's offer of a new deal has still not been signed by the homegrown youngster.

The left-winger, who had an injury-hit campaign last year, looked set to depart earlier in the summer when it emerged that he had turned down a new contract offer – but the Express & Star understands the situation has become more confused in recent weeks.

Molineux sources have revealed that Gobern has indicated that he may now be keen to stay at Wolves – but left for his summer break without signing a new contract.