LJ wants ‘creative spark’ to stay

Athletic hope to retain Daniel Johnson, pictured right with Danny Philliskirk celebrating his first goal against Rochdale.

ATHLETIC are keen to extend Daniel Johnson’s stay at the club — but admit it won’t be easy.

As it stands, the on-loan Aston Villa midfield talent made his seventh and final appearance for the club in the 2-1 home loss to Crewe on Boxing Day as a 74th-minute substitute.

In his six weeks with Athletic, Johnson (22) scored three goals — including two in the 3-0 win at Rochdale.

Standing second in the division’s assists charts with eight for the season, Johnson is recognised by his manager namesake as a serious talent and one he would like to land on contract.

Whether that is possible is currently being explored in talks. In the end, Athletic’s chances might come down to financial elements.

“Talks are ongoing. There are a number of factors at play,” said manager Lee Johnson.

“Can we afford what he would want, wages-wise, do Aston Villa want a fee, and what about other interested parties? All these things have to be taken into account.

“Ideally, I see him a little like a Korey Smith-type project. He is a good age at 22 and clearly a creative spark.”

Smith, now starring for Bristol City, earned Athletic around £250,000 in the move. He initially joined Athletic on loan from Norwich City at the end of the 2012-13 season, before making it permanent.

Ironically, the continuing absence of the man sent the other way to replace Smith, Liam Kelly, is behind the reason why Johnson was left on the bench against Crewe.

“The only reason Daniel didn’t play against Crewe was that Liam Kelly wasn’t there,” Lee Johnson added.

“It wasn’t anything against him. I just felt we needed that extra defensive player, as the mistake we may have made at MK Dons was having too many at once on the field who enjoy the ball.”

The transfer window reopens on Saturday. As yet there have been no firm offers for any of the club’s players.