Should Rangers challenge rivals for Marvin Johnson with key players’ futures in doubt?

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Celtic are just one of many clubs interested in the Oxford United winger – but Rangers know just how good he can be.

While reports linking Manchester City with a swoop for a 26-year-old Oxford United winger seem fanciful at best, it seems far more likely that Marvin Johnson could return to the Scottish Premiership in the summer, the Scottish Sun reports.

The attacker, who spent two seasons with Motherwell between 2014 and 2016, has been in inspired form for The U’s in recent months, drawing attention from as many as 30 clubs, the Scottish Sun add.

Reports have linked the likes of Aston Villa, Wolves and Derby County with a move but speculation is increasing that Celtic are interested in swooping for the wideman this summer.

Johnson, who has netted six goals in all competitions for the League One high-flyers, has already proven his talents in Scottish football with his powerful bursts of acceleration and rapid dribbling ability standing him out as a bright spark in an otherwise difficult time for Motherwell.

And, with Patrick Roberts’ 18 month loan from Manchester City set to come to an end this summer, Brendan Rodgers may be in the market for attacking reinforcements.

However, although there will be concerns that he is out of their price range with Oxford having rejected a £1 million offer in January, according to the Scottish Sun, Rangers should not stand idly by while Celtic add another talented forward to their ranks.

HITC sources told us two years ago that Johnson had piqued Rangers’ interest after he tore them apart in Motherwell’s 3-0 second-leg relegation play-off victory in May 2015.

And, as it stands, it appears that Rangers may lack the creativity and forward thrust to fulfil new manager Pedro Caixinha’s infamously attacking gameplan – particularly with the futures of Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn in doubt.

Key creative midfielder Emerson Hyndman will also return to Bournemouth when his loan expires.

Therefore, Johnson could add some much needed directness and cutting edge to the attack next season. Losing out on him to Celtic, however, is not the best way to start closing the gap.