The saga surrounding Daniel Johnson continues – and there could yet be a twist in the tale.
Rangers have been pursuing a deal for Johnson in recent days, and we reported earlier this morning that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs.
Two sources informed us that a deal was close, but there may well have been a hitch or an issue in negotiations given Alex Neil’s latest comments.
Neil has told the club’s official Twitter account that Johnson is in contention to face Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, suggesting any exit isn’t quite as imminent as we first thought.
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It goes without saying that we hope Johnson stays put and signs a new deal at Preston, but we sadly just can’t see that happening.
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Johnson is out of contract next summer, and Rangers are a huge lure; they are challenging for titles, they have Steven Gerrard in charge, they have a huge fanbase and could be playing in the Champions League next season after Scotland landed another qualifying spot.
Add in that Rangers can offer more money, and we couldn’t blame Johnson if he does move on.
Johnson was left out of the side that lost 1-0 to Swansea City on Saturday, so maybe publicly stating that he could play tomorrow is something of a tactic to get some issues ironed out with Rangers.
It’s all a little unclear right now, but we frankly still expect to see Johnson making the move to Ibrox before the transfer window shuts in October.