An un-named source from the North East told the Echo
"There is an interest in the pair of them, but McCormack is the priority.
"Ricky and Niall want to shift the focus of the type of players who sign for the club.
"They are looking to bring in young, hungry players whose value might rise.
"McCormack and Johnson fit into that category and, depending what happens over the next few weeks, it looks like an approach will be made."
There's little else to add as it's all unconfirmed speculation.