Rangers given transfer warning as Ibrox club set for double injury blow

Alex Neil has told clubs interested in his players to make a “proper offer”

Daniel Johnson is reportedly interesting Rangers. Picture: SNS

Preston North End boss Alex Neil has fired Rangers a warning over their interest in midfielder Daniel Johnson.

The Ibrox club have been strongly linked with the 27-year-old.

Johnson was left out of the Lillywhites’ English Championship opener with Swansea City at the weekend.

Speculation surrounding Preston players prompted club chief Peter Risdale to release a statement where he revealed frustration and accused clubs of attempting to do their bidding through the press.

Any offers which have been received, whether for Johnson, Celtic target Ben Davies or any other player, has not met the club’s valuation.

Manager Neil addressed Johnson's absence from the game at the weekend and urged any interested parties to make a “proper offer”.

He said: “We have teams showing an interest in our players, which unsettles things. People think players are just robots who can just continue on. The sooner we get clarity, so we know where we are and what we’re trying to do, the easier it makes it for everyone.

“At the moment there are so many unanswered questions, it can become unsettling for players and others. We need to understand if lads are signing on, then let’s get it done.

“But if other clubs are coming in to try to take them away, then come in and make a proper offer then see where we are.

“It’s frustrating for me, I’m trying to get my team ready and focused — so the distractions are not helpful. We have too many situations at the moment which are unanswered."

Meanwhile, Rangers are set to be without Ryan Jack and Brandon Barker for the Europa League clash with Lincoln Red Imps this week.

Both were injured during the 4-0 win over Dundee United on Saturday.

There could be a return for Leon Balogun, however, and Alfredo Morelos may be fit after suffering a nasty injury.