OWEN Coyle is reportedly ready to smash Burnley’s transfer record to land Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

The England Under 21 international – out of contract at the Riverside in 12 months – is on the wishlist of several Premier League, Championship and Spanish clubs.

But national reports yesterday speculated that Coyle is preparing beat the queue and test Boro’s resolve with an offer in the region of £2m for Johnson.

The Clarets manager is believed to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old – who was linked with a loan move to Burnley in January 2008.

Back then, Boro were a solid Premier League outfit and Burnley were rebuilding in the Championship following Coyle’s appointment into the Turf hot-seat.

But now, the two clubs have swapped divisions and Johnson - one of England’s stars in their European U21 Championship campaign in Sweden - is said to be desperate for an immediate return to England’s top-flight.

Last month, he made his intentions clear by turning down the chance to sign a contract extension with Boro.

And with one year left on his contract, the north east club may be pushed to sell Johnson rather than risk losing one of their prized assets for nothing in 12 months time.

Johnson came through Middlesbrough's academy and has played 68 times for the club, scoring two goals.

During his time at the Riverside, he has also been out on loan - to Leeds in October 2006 and to Watford in September 2007.

He enjoyed huge success during his stint with the Hornets, bagging five goals in 12 Championship appearances before being recalled by Gareth Southgate.

As reported last week, Coyle has admitted that the club may break its transfer record in their efforts to keep pace with England’s big-hitters.

The Burnley manager is determined to add to his ranks ahead of the Premier League campaign and that means the club record fee of £1.3m - paid to Scunthorpe for Martin Paterson last summer - could be under threat.