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Rangers target’s boss urges clubs to make proper bids for his players, says interest unsettling

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General view outside the stadium prior to the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on September 01, 2019 in Glas...
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Preston North End Manager Alex Neil looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Barnsley at Deepdale on October 05, 2019 in Preston, England. (Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Alex Neil has urged clubs interested in signing his Preston players to make a ‘proper offer’, after Rangers were linked with a move for Daniel Johnson.

The Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has placed on Johnson top of targets to strengthen his injury-hit squad, according to The Daily Record.

But the newspaper claimed on Sunday that an official bid from Ibrox was yet to arrive.

Neil, who is Gerrard’s Preston counterpart, left Johnson out of his side’s Championship opening day defeat against Swansea and afterwards refused to comment on any individual’s situation.

But, discussing transfers in and out of Preston on Monday, the Scot appeared to provide a little more insight into the reported Rangers target’s situation.

“We currently have too many situations that are unanswered,” Neil told Lancashire Live. “We’ve currently got teams showing interest in our players which unsettles things. We need that clarity.

“If lads are signing up let’s get it done. If other teams are interested, let’s have a proper offer. It’s all distracting.

“Naturally the boss is having to put more money in than normal which naturally has its burden on us. If we want to move players on we want millions, but we don’t have millions to spend which is difficult.”

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Johnson, though, could return to Neil’s squad for the EFL Cup trip to Derby on Tuesday.

“I talk to all my players all the time,” the 39-year-old added. “DJ is in contention for tomorrow night.”

Johnson is in the final year of his contract at Preston and Rangers hope that a fee of around £2 million will be enough to prise him from Deepdale, according to The Daily Record.

The 27-year-old scored or made 19 goals in 33 league games for the Lancashire side last season.

Rangers fans – how do you rate Johnson?