Wigan Athletic were linked with Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson.
According to a report in the Lancashire Post, Preston North End turned down a loan offer for Daniel Johnson from Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic over the summer – a decision that now looks justified.
The Jamaican attacker was a solid performer last season. He made 35 Championship appearances for the Lillywhites, scoring six goals and adding a further five assists.
Johnson appears set to smash that tally this season if he continues in the same vein of form as the attacker has been instrumental during Preston’s excellent start to the season.
Many wondered how Preston would cope without the qualities of Callum Robinson after he joined newly-promoted Premier League side Sheffield United, but Johnson has evidently stepped up.
In seven outings so far, he has netted four goals and three assists. He has the best ratio of any player in the Championship making at least five appearances in terms of being directly involved in goals.
Johnson’s form has helped Preston record five wins from their opening eight games, leaving supporters hopeful that Alex Neil’s side can mount a playoff bid as they sit third in the Championship table.
Wigan, meanwhile, are 19th in the table and have only managed to score in four of their eight games so far. Johnson could have been an excellent signing for the Latics.
But, the Lancashire Post claimed the Preston hierarchy felt he was an important member of the squad. They have been proven correct, and in today’s market the 26-year-old’s value is on the rise.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
