Chelsea join in chase for Johnson.

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez's summer plans may not be as straightforward as he would have wanted as it seems he faces another transfer battle.

Having spent the last couple of weeks fending off interest in midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano from Real Madrid and Barcelona, it now appears Chelsea are competing for the signature of Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson.

The Merseysiders were in pole position to bring in the England international for a fee, which includes money still owed to them from the transfer of Peter Crouch to Pompey, believed to be around pounds 17m.

However, with Fratton Park chairman Peter Storrie confirming a second club, understood to be Johnson's former side Chelsea, had lodged an identical bid there is now serious competition for the 24-year-old's signature.

Having seen Gareth Barry, Benitez's number one transfer target last summer, complete a move to Manchester City earlier this month the Liverpool boss will not want to be pipped at the post again.

Liverpool remain confident they are Johnson's preferred choice and it has been reported the player is to cut short a holiday to have a medical over the weekend.

"The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week. I do not have a preference over the move, it is up to Glen," said Storrie.

"The deals are almost identical so it is down to him, what club he prefers and which is going to pay him more."

At least Benitez can rely on star striker Fernando Torres, who signed an improved contract last month.

"A lot of players committed themselves to Liverpool this summer with new contracts and players don't do that unless they think they can have their ambitions met," he said.

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Liverpool target Glen Johnson