Rangers respond to Ben Johnson transfer speculation after Ibrox question

Jonny McFarlane has explained that Rangers refuse to be drawn into transfer speculation after he asked about the reported interest in West Ham defender Ben Johnson.

The Rangers Review journalist shared that Johnson fits the profile of players the club have targeted in the past, so a deal would make sense, but it looks unlikely at this time.

It was then reiterated that it now seems likely Johnson will sign for Crystal Palace in the Premier League after reports emerged elsewhere, with Gers unable to compete financially.

Speaking to The Rangers Review [1 May], McFarlane shared: "As for Ben Johnson, I enquired about him last night but Rangers said they are not going to get involved in transfer speculation so I was rebuffed.

"The club aren't saying anything about it, but when you look at the age and the profile, it's the type of profile Rangers have targeted in the past.

"He looks like he's going to sign for Crystal Palace and if a Premier League club comes it it's hard to turn that down. Rangers can offer a lot, but they wouldn't offer the financial terms that an English club would."

Rangers miss out on West Ham defender Ben Johnson

Any deal to sign a Premier League player on a free transfer is likely to be one the club explore as they look to add further quality to Philippe Clement's team when the transfer window opens, but they will face competition.

Johnson is a player in a similar mould to Dujon Sterling who was signed on a free transfer last summer - naturally a right back, but has proven capable of playing in a multitude of positions including in midfield and on the wing if required.

Sterling's importance to the team has become evident over the course of the season, fans have speculated about where his best position is, with a midfield role featuring prominently, meaning a deal for Johnson as a utility player would have made sense.

However, as McFarlane explained, the financial might of clubs in the Premier League and the wages they can offer is something Gers cannot match and can be difficult for players to turn down at any stage of their careers.

In other Rangers news, Chris Jack shared a new James Tavernier transfer update.

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