Manchester City 2 Portsmouth 0: City set to test Boro's resolve by raising bid for Johnson

The Blues had a 5m offer for the 22-year-old rejected last week but are thought to have contacted the Teesside outfit once more with a substantially improved bid.

Boro manager Gordon Strachan has stated he expects Johnson to still to be at the Riverside after today's 5pm transfer deadline. However, chairman Steve Gibson might be reluctant to turn down increased terms for a player who will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Johnson was part of the Middlesbrough side that was held to a goalless draw by Bristol City yesterday.

However, he is said to have informed Boro officials last week of his desire to hear what City are offering.

The exit of record signing Robinho for Santos has created a space on the left of City's midfield, although it would put him in competition with Craig Bellamy and Martin Petrov.

Kolo Toure made his first Manchester City appearance in a month in yesterday's League win over Portsmouth and was named man of the match on a chilly day at Eastlands having spent the last few weeks playing for the Ivory Coast in the distinctly warmer climes on offer in the African Nations Cup.

Speaking after goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Vincent Kompany had sealed the win, Toure said: "We have good players and the determination. We are now working very hard and we have a chance to be in the top four, so why not? Yes, we can, definitely."

City manager Roberto Mancini praised Adebayor, whose goal was his first since his horrific experience at the African Nations Cup when three of Togo's backroom staff, including their driver, were killed in a gun attack on their team bus.

"I am very happy for Emmanuel to score this goal," said Mancini. "It was an incredible situation he has been involved in. For his sake I hope he can forget it but I think both he, and his family, know he has been very lucky."

Kompany's powerful header in first-half stoppage time ensured City gained maximum points against Portsmouth.

Portsmouth manager Avram Grant declined to speak with the written press after the game, preferring to wait until the transfer window has passed before offering his opinions on the crisis at Fratton Park.

It was, however, confirmed the players' wages are expected to be paid today, financed through the sale of Younes Kaboul to Tottenham, just one day late.