Adam Johnson is on the verge of leaving Manchester City, with Liverpool emerging as the favourites to sign the England international, according to reports by The Independent.

Johnson has become frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities at the Etihad, making just 10 league starts for City last season and seemingly not fitting into Roberto Mancini’s style of play- preferring to use David Silva on the left instead.

Liverpool may be the ideal destination for Johnson, as Brendan Rodgers seeks an alternative to Stewart Downing, who endured a torrid campaign last season.

Johnson has proved himself to be one of the League’s best wingers, offering great deliveries that the likes of Andy Carroll would thrive upon- if he stays at Anfield.

He said: "I'm the kind of player that needs to be playing regularly," he said. "Any player does, really, no matter what age they are. I need to play week-in week-out. You can't just go into one game after not having played for five, and be expected to perform."

The midfielder who joined City from Middlesbrough in 2010, has a number of options if he decides to leave, with Sunderland and Tottenham keen on agreeing a deal.

Sunderland Owner, Ellis Short has agreed to finance the £10 million needed and is ready to meet Johnson’s wage demands, but Spurs may have the edge over the Black Cats as the attraction of European football may be too good to resist.

City manager, Roberto Mancini is keen for Johnson to stay at the club, hinting that he could be a good option from the bench, but would not stand in the player’s way to find regular match time.

He said: "If he wants to, he has to leave – but if that happens I will be so sorry because Adam is a good guy. He is a different player to the other strikers and wingers, and maybe he could be important for us."

[ad_pod id='dfp-mpu' align='right']