Rangers target Daniel Johnson picked up an injury and will miss some action for Preston this week.

The midfielder is wanted at Ibrox and had sparked more speculation about his future when he was not in Alex Neil's squad for their 2-2 draw with Norwich City in the Championship last weekend.

The manager, however, confirmed that the Jamaican player had picked up a knock or he would have starred at Carrow Road. And he is unlikely to feature against Premier League side Brighton in midweek's Carabao Cup tie.

Neil said: "Daniel Johnson wasn't available [on Saturday], he picked up a slight groin injury yesterday and he would've probably started.

"I doubt he will be fit for Wednesday because having to turn that groin strain in two or three days, you are cutting it fine."

Gers' hopes of signing Johnson - who scored 12 goals in 34 appearances last term - remain up in the air as Preston have previously told the club to make a serious offer if they want the star man.

But with just a few weeks left of the transfer window, it could be a race against time for the Light Blues to sign their man. Boss Steven Gerrard has not hid his desire to bring in a new midfielder to bolster his ranks.

Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo are out injured, which could speed up the process.