Rangers are involved in a well publicised chase for Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson, with the midfielder said to prefer a move to Ibrox out of the options he has available to him.
Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton believes that Steven Gerrard is in pole position to secure the services of the 27-year old.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked to give his thoughts on the chances of his former club getting the deal for Johnson over the line, he said:
“If he decides to stay at the moment or they can’t agree a fee, you can sign him on a pre-contract in January for nothing so it’s a very strong position for Rangers to be in at the moment,”
“As well, you know he wants to go to the club. It’s different if you’ve got other suitors and people swarming round him. It seems like he’d fancy the move to Rangers.
“While they could pay the money at the moment, if everyone’s willing to wait until January to pick him up on a free, if he actually wants to join your club, you’re holding all the cards so it’s a good situation to be in.”
So is Hutton correct?
Hopefully. Ideally, the Gers gaffer would want to get the deal done just now, not just to strengthen his attacking options in midfield but because of recent injuries to Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo with a busy fixture schedule up ahead.
What do you think will happen?
Sign Johnson now
Sign Johnson on pre-contract
Miss out on Johnson
With 12 goals and eight assists in the Championship last season he has proven that he can deliver the sort of numbers that Gerrard wants to see from deep, a similar contribution to that of Aribo and Scott Arfield – getting him in the door sooner, rather than later would give fans a huge lift with Europa League qualifiers and an Old Firm fixture on the horizon.
What Hutton doesn’t mention is that Jordan Jones could be a possible target for Alex Neil’s side, despite struggling to even make the bench these days, he could yet prove to be of some value and ensure that Rangers remain at the front of the queue for £2.5million rated Johnson’s signature.