Rangers want to complete £3m deal by weekend for player involved in 20 goals in 19/20 – report
Steven Gerrard wants to make Daniel Johnson a Rangers player, before the Gers’ next league game against Motherwell.
The Scottish Sun have reported that the Preston playmaker wants to move to Ibrox, and that Rangers are hopeful the deal can be done before this weekend’s fixtures.
The report also states that last weekend’s draw with Hibernian has ‘heightened the desire’ for reinforcements at Ibrox, but there are still some issues holding up the reported £3 million deal.
Should Johnson arrive at Ibrox he would become Gerrard’s seventh summer signing, bolstering the Gers’ attacking options as they look to compete both domestically and in Europe this season.
Johnson made 34 appearances in all competitions for Preston last season, scoring 12 goals and registering eight assists in the English Championship.
The English midfielder has been spoken very highly of by ex-Rangers manager Alex McLeish who compared him to Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.
“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.”
Former Motherwell player Chris Humphrey spent time at Preston with Johnson five years ago, and has also been singing the midfielder’s praises.
Humphrey, speaking to The Daily Record said, “I would put DJ up there as one of the best number 10s or attacking midfielders I have played with – and I’ve played with some really good players.
“He is unbelievable and in that league, he would be unreal. He’d be good for Rangers in Europe as well. He is excellent technically, scores goals and has pace. He drives forward with the ball and can play a pass.”
When Humphrey was asked if Johson could be the difference for Rangers in their title battle with rivals Celtic, he said, “Yes, 100%”.
That statement alone should get Rangers fans excited about the prospect of signing such a talented and experienced player, but Humphrey’s glowing appraisal of the Jamaican midfielder suggests that Rangers could have a serious player on their hands.
Rangers will be looking to get back to winning ways against Motherwell, following the 2-2 draw at Easter Road in their last game.
The light blues conceded for the first time this season against Hibs, bringing their record-breaking run to an end, following seven straight clean sheets in the league.
Should Johnson sign, Gerrard will have plenty of options available to him as Rangers look to challenge again in the Europa League this season, with the Gers’ European campaign continuing on Wednesday against Dutch side Willem II.
In other Rangers news, Report – National paper issue update on mooted Rangers pursuit for 20-goal hitman.