Sunderland and Wigan fighting a £10m battle to sign Everton striker Johnson

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The England international, signed from Crystal Palace for £8.6m two years ago, has grown frustrated at Everton following the arrival of Yakubu from Middlesbrough which has limited his starting chances and often reduced him to a substitute's role.

Crossroads: Andy Johnson may have to choose between Sunderland and Wigan if both clubs have bids accepted by Everton.

Although manager David Moyes would be happy to keep the player he realises his sale can help finance other moves, with Tottenham striker Darren Bent a likely target.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed last month that Sunderland had switched their sights to Johnson after, ironically, growing frustrated in their own pursuit of Bent with Tottenham determined to recoup as close to the £16.5m they spent on him last year.

Everton, however, see the 24-year-old as a suitable replacement for Johnson as he provides similar pace but more height.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has long been a fan of Johnson but is mindful of paying over the odds for a player who, despite a whirlwind start, has still only managed 17 goals in 52 league games.

In Wigan's favour though is that Johnson, who travelled with Everton last night for the start of their pre-season preparations in Switzerland, would prefer to stay in the north west.

Meanwhile, Everton full-back Tony Hibbert has been ruled out for three months after undergoing surgery on damaged medial knee ligaments.