According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Rangers have been told that only a multi-million-pound price would tempt Preston North End to sell their prized midfield possession Daniel Johnson. The report suggests that Gerrard is keen on strengthening his side, with the news of Joe Aribo’s extended spell on the sidelines causing further concern.
The Ibrox club had to deal with four further injuries in the matter of around an hour on Saturday. Leon Balogun picked up a knock during the warm-ups before the match against Dundee United, while Ryan Jack, Brandon Barker and Alfredo Morelos all pulled up during the fixture.
Although the report has clarified that Rangers are interested in Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson, whether or not the Ibrox side can cough out the asking price remains to be seen. Ross Wilson’s scouting network is said to be looking at the midfielder quite closely, with talk of a £2m bid already being dismissed by the historic English club. While talks on the matter have been progressing, it’s yet to reach a point where the deal is even close. Despite the interest, Preston are said to be looking for upwards of £5m-£6m for the talented midfielder’s signature.
What Is Rangers’ Current Midfield Situation?
The Ibrox club have started the season in blistering fashion, but the flurry of injuries that have occurred in recent weeks has thrown light on the lack of depth within this Rangers squad. The loss of Joe Aribo to a knock in the early part of the season did come as a stumbling block, but the match against Dundee United on the weekend ended up being a brand new low for Gerrard’s men. The knocks picked up by Ryan Jack, Brandon Barker, Leon Balogun and Alfredo Morelos has left them short-staffed in a number of important positions.
Although defence and attack wouldn’t be all that concerning because of the availability of alternate options, the midfield area is sure to be causing Gerrard all kinds of headaches. With Jack on the sidelines, veteran Englishman Steven Davis remains the only holding midfielder in the Gers’ roster. Moreover, the loss of Barker means that they don’t have a single realistic winger option other than Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi either. With Aribo facing an extended period out, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield will surely have important parts to play too.
What Makes Daniel Johnson A Good Option For Rangers?
The Jamaican origin midfielder has spent the majority of his footballing career in England, having begun as a youth product at current Premier League side Aston Villa. Despite being a member of the Villa Park club for more than five years, the midfielder was never fortunate enough to play in the top-flight. Having joined Preston in 2015, Johnson has developed into quite the player over the years. Capable of expertly finding gaps in opposition defence lines, the Jamaican would add something fresh to this limited Rangers roster. The 27-year-old is an expert at making late runs into the box as well.
Rangers Are Interested In Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson: Should Gerrard Go For It?
The Ibrox club have started the new league season in sensational style, but unless they’re able to get some business done in the coming weeks, the drop-off from the top of the table isn’t going to be a pretty watch. The knocks picked up by some of their most key players will do little to help their cause, meaning that investing in the transfer market could be their only solution right now. With an intriguing title-race seemingly developing as well, it would be smart for Gerrard to acquire Johnson, who would walk into this current Rangers midfield line and act as a real breath of fresh air.
