Report details why Rangers failed to sign midfielder after seven-figure bid tabled
Rangers only made one bid for Daniel Johnson this summer, and it fell well below Preston North End’s valuation, according to LancsLive.
Daniel Johnson was the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move to Ibrox this summer, but the deal never transpired.
LancsLive are reporting that the Gers only made one “pretty weak” bid for Preston’s 2019/20 player of the year. The bid was £1.5million and it was going to be paid in stages, which Preston turned down.
The report states that Preston boss Alex Neil, wasn’t confident of keeping Johnson, once rumours of a move to Ibrox were being reported. But more recently he has stated that all interest ‘had gone away’ and it looked as if the Jamaican would be staying a Deepdale.
Lack of funds could have been the reason for such a weak bid from Rangers. Steven Gerrard had previously spoken of how qualifying for the Europa League group stage would give his side more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market.
But following qualification it seems the Light Blues did not go back in for Johnson, electing to spend their money elsewhere.
Rangers were trying to sign a central midfielder all summer, and finally got their man on deadline day, as South African international Bongani Zungu arrived at Ibrox on loan from Amiens.
The Gers have the option to make the deal permanent next summer, should the midfielder impress during this season.
Gerrard’s side have been busy in this transfer window, bolstering options all over the pitch as they again look to compete domestically and in Europe. Rangers fans will hope that this season will end the long wait for silverware, and the additions of Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi on a permanent deal will give them the confidence that this year is their year.
In other Rangers news, Rangers want player after £100,000-a-week contract was torn up – reports.