‘He’s like Andros Townsend’ – Ibrox Exclusive: McLeish wowed by Rangers transfer report
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish is delighted to see Rangers linked with a move to sign Preston midfielder Daniel Johnson before the transfer window slams shut.
According to the Scottish Sun, the Light Blues could do a player-plus-cash deal with Preston which involves Jordan Jones heading to Deepdale and Johnson, 27, joining Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.
Johnson has been a key player for Preston in the last five years and McLeish can see him being a success at Rangers due to his impressive dribbling ability in the heart of the midfield.
“Energetic, very energetic,” McLeish told Ibrox News when discussing Johnson in an exclusive interview.
“You’ll see him slalom his way through defences. He’s like Andros Townsend at Crystal Palace – he’s that type of player. I’m not saying he’s exactly like him, but he’s that type of player, and I think he’d bring a lot to Rangers.
“I’m not surprised [that he’s been such a success at Preston]. He’s flourished, which is great to see.”
Johnson made 34 appearances in all competitions for Alex Neil’s side last season, scoring 12 goals and supplying eight assists in the process.
There have been rumours about the Light Blues bidding £2million for the former Aston Villa midfielder but getting rid of a fringe player like Jones, and potentially lowering that transfer fee, would represent a good piece of business by the Glasgow giants.
We were already excited by Johnson’s potential arrival and McLeish’s verdict on the midfielder has only amplified that feeling.
The transfer window closes on October 5, which is now just over two weeks away.
There’s still plenty of time to get deals done but we get the feeling Gerrard may have already completed the bulk of his business.
In other Rangers news, this free agent has headed to Auchenhowie after rejecting a deal at a Premier League club.