Manchester City release Michael Johnson?

Michael Johnson has reportedly been released from his contract by champions Manchester City.

Having broken into the City senior side at the age of 18, 24-year-old Johnson had been tipped to become a future England international.

However, a succession of injuries and problems off the pitch have resulted in the midfielder not appearing for City since a League Cup tie against Scunthorpe United in October 2009.

City manager Roberto Mancini has since lost patience with Johnson and the club have offered him a severance package from his £40,000-a-week contract, according to The Guardian.

Johnson was once the subject of a reported £10m offer from Liverpool.