Kevin Phillips has backed Rangers target Daniel Johnson to be a hit in Scotland after being close to making a move for the Preston midfielder in his role as a coach.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former England international claims that the 27-year old would hit the ground running if he heads north to Ibrox.
So what has Phillips said?
When asked if he knew much about Johnson and if the creative midfielder would be a good signing for Steven Gerrard, he said:
“He is a player that was on our radar when I was at Derby and Stoke. We really liked him.
“He has got a bit of everything – aggression, energy, creativity, decent left foot and can score a goal as well.
“Coming from the Championship to the Scottish Premiership I think he would settle quick and do very, very well up there. The supporters would like him because he has a good attitude. He would be a really good signing for Rangers.”
So is Phillips correct?
The evidence is starting to stack up that Johnson – subject of a rejected £5million bid from Bournemouth – would be a clever move from the Gers recruitment team and when someone like Phillips, who is still involved in the game, and Alan Hutton, who played with him at Aston Villa said that he would be a perfect fit, then you have to wonder why the deal hasn’t already been done.
Is Gerrard being let down with the lack of signings in midfield?
Yes
No
Rangers could’ve done with him against Hibs with only Jamie Barjonas offering cover from midfield off the bench, bodies are starting to get thin on the ground in the engine room for Gerrard.
The boss has been crying out for a midfielder for some weeks now and the last thing he would want to do is have to send Ross Wilson and co back to the drawing board, especially with such a talented player so tantalisingly close to a move to the Light Blues.