Ex-Rangers star Andy Little has claimed that insiders at former club Preston have told him Jamaican midfielder Daniel Johnson is “keen” on a move to Ibrox.
The Northern Irishman was talking amid ongoing links between Johnson and Rangers with reports earlier in the week claiming the Gers were set to ramp up their interest after the weekend’s draw with Hibs [Scottish Sun].
Little was at Preston when Johnson signed for the club and he remains in close contact with people at Deepdale who have told him Johnson wants the move to Rangers.
On top of that, ex-teammate Little also believes that Johnson is a top player at a “great point of his career” and at the level of Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo.
“He’s a Steven Gerrard type of player. He’s very gifted, a good athlete and at a great point in his career,” said Little [Scottish Sun].
“You look at his most notable recent signings – Hagi, Kent, Aribo – Johnson comes into the category and I have no doubt he came make an impact.
“I’ve heard that he’s keen to go to Rangers through my contacts down there so I think that’s very important.
“Getting the chance to go to Ibrox doesn’t happen every day of the week and I feel he will handle playing for Rangers.
Little – who played alongside Johnson when Preston were promoted to the Championship in 14/15 – speaks very highly of the 27-year-old midfielder.
The excitement about this prospective move is palpable from the Ulsterman and he also compared him to a current first-team star.
“In my opinion there are a lot of similarities between him and Joe Aribo – they’ve got that technical ability and the skill to find a pass,” said Little.
“So, it will be interesting to see where Steven Gerrard plays him because he’s been using two deep-lying midfielders and playing Hagi in the No10 role since Aribo has been out.
“I reckon he’s just as comfortable as a number 10 as he is in the central midfield. He’s left-sided and very athletic.
“Rangers need goals from midfield and he can bring that, especially as there have been so many injuries recently and the setback that Aribo has suffered.
“He scored 12 goals last season which is great although I think half of them were penalties.
“But that’s no bad thing for Rangers as they had a few problems from the spot last season.”
Reports earlier in the month claimed that Rangers had secured a deal for Johnson but these were eventually rubbished by Preston themselves.
