Soccer: Palace Accept Johnson Offer

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Crystal Palace have accepted an £8.5 million bid from Wigan Athletic for England striker Andy Johnson.

The 25-year-old is wanted by a host of clubs including Everton and Bolton - who have also lodged bids.

However, Wigan's is the highest offer and that is the only one to have been accepted by Eagles chairman Simon Jordan so far.

"Wigan are in the box seat," Jordan confirmed.

"Everton and Bolton are very keen to have the player's services, but they need to get a move on.

"Wigan have offered £8.5 million, which is money I consider reasonable and which is on the terms I want.

"It is predominantly those three clubs who are interested in Andrew, although I believe there is also interest from Portsmouth."

Johnson returns on Monday from England's World Cup training camp and it is expected he will meet with Wigan, while both Everton and Bolton wait in the wings - unless they up their offers in the next few days.

Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer is hopeful a deal can be struck for Johnson as it would be a signal to the rest of The Premiership.

"Let's just say we are interested in Andrew," she told Sky Sports News.

"It would be fantastic, fantastic for Wigan Athletic, fantastic for the manager to bring in a player of that calibre.

"And it makes everyone sit back and think we are having a real go in The Premiership.

"People say it is going to be harder in the second season, so let's go out there and get the players, as well as the ones we have got, to keep us there.

"This also shows the commitment of the chairman, that he will back Paul for this type of quality player."


[Credit: SkySports]