Ibrox View: Daniel Johnson could be ideal late window addition for Rangers
Rangers might not be done in the transfer market just yet.
While the Gers conducted a lot of their business swiftly this summer, there is still time for one or two new faces to make an appearance at Ibrox before the window shuts at the beginning of October.
One such arrival could be Preston North End midfielder Daniel Johnson.
According to a recent report, the Gers are keen on the 27-year-old, and have already had an offer of around £2 million turned down for the player.
Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish recently told Ibrox News that he believes Steven Gerrard could do with another box-to-box midfielder in his arsenal this season.
But is Johnson the man to fulfil that role?
On paper, he certainly looks as if he could be.
As per Wyscout, the Preston man registered a higher shot accuracy rate and a higher dribble success rate than Scott Arfield last season, as well as a pass completion rate that was just 3% lower.
In short, he is a more attacking, ball-carrying style of midfielder, and one who looks as if he could be a real threat for the Gers.
Take this goal against Barnsley last season as an example.
Johnson actually scored three against the Tykes across two meetings, but this was arguably the most eye-catching.
As the first ball is won, Johnson is occupying a relatively deep role, but is already looking to join in with the fledgling attack.
As the passage of play develops, the ball moves back into Preston’s own half, but crucially, Johnson has continued his run.
That kind of instinctive movement is so hard to teach, and shows wonderful footballing intelligence.
From an attacking point of view, it is the ideal way to spring a high line, and so it proves here.
Johnson shows good pace to leave his defender in the dust, but the really impressive thing here is the coolness of the finish.
Rather than panicking when confronted with an onrushing goalkeeper, the midfielder keeps his head and slots home a delightful side-footed effort.
Such a cultured moment of quality provides just a glimpse of the obvious talent and industrious attacking play that Johnson could bring to Ibrox.
If Rangers are serious about landing a player in this mould before the window shuts, they could surely do a lot worse than the Jamaican.
In other Rangers news, Exclusive: Alex McLeish claims Rangers boss Gerrard needs to win a trophy this season.