Jemal Johnson

By Oli
March 4 2009

The Milton Keynes Citizen claims that Dons winger Jemal Johnson is growing increasingly frustrated with the drawn-out talks surrounding his new contract, but the player himself insists the Dons are still his "first choice".

The Citizen however can only name the provider of the information as "a source close" to Johnson, and it seems if the Dons can come up with an offer JJ finds reasonable he will be only too happy to accept. The winger was linked to several Championship clubs in January.

He told the Citizen: "It's in the hands of the lawyers and my agent and that's all I can really say on the matter for now.

"Dons is still the first choice for me at the moment, I enjoy being here and all the lads are great.

"It's flattering when speculation links you with bigger clubs but right now I'm just concentrating on playing football and not getting too distracted by it all."

As well as the aim of promotion and a new contract, Johnson has other motivation behind his superb form this season.

"My agent is speaking with the US team and hopefully I will be able to break into the squad for the summer.

"There has been interest for a while now but because of one thing and another it just hasn't happened.

"I have trained hard to try and improve as many parts of my game as I can.

"I feel quite fresh and just look forward to getting promotion with the lads. So if that means I'm called up to the squad then it will have been an excellent year for me."

It's only speculation, but again the length of the deal could be the issue with Jemal's agent telling the Citizen that the player's basic wage is not the main problem with the contract on the table. He also added:

"JJ has been outstanding for the best part of the season now has really showed his quality in the last few weeks.

"This season is the turning point in Jemal's career although, as yet, we've not been able to agree new terms with the club.

"We just have to wait and see what happens in the next few weeks."