Rangers have made a £2million bid for Preston midfielder Daniel Johnson, according to The Mirror.
It’s claimed that Steven Gerrard is keen to bolster his midfield, especially having lost Joe Aribo – a creative, left-footed midfielder to an injury.
With that in mind, Rangers have now allegedly made their move for Johnson, in the hope of luring him to Ibrox before next months’ transfer deadline.
Preston may be under pressure to sell, given that Johnson is out of contract next summer. There has been no breakthrough in talks over a new deal, and Johnson can sign a pre-contract agreement to leave North End in January.
Rangers would be able to sign Johnson for nothing, so they’re trying to tempt Preston into selling now for £2million rather than lose him on a free transfer in a matter of months.
Johnson, 27, was Preston’s star man last season. He racked up 12 goals and eight assists in 33 games, averaging more than a goal contribution every other game.
The Jamaican was pushed forward into a number 10 role and excelled, showing guile, creativity and an eye for goal as he arguably had his finest season since his £50,000 move from Aston Villa in 2015.
Many will now say that Johnson shouldn’t go to Scotland because it’s a lower standard than the Championship, but we have to be realistic; Rangers are a massive club, they have European football, title aspirations, Steven Gerrard in charge and an outstanding fanbase.
Johnson would likely earn more at Ibrox than at Preston too, so Rangers have plenty to offer – but it still seems unlikely that Preston would accept £2million for such a key player, even inside the final year of his contract.