NOT HAPPY

Preston hit out amid Celtic and Rangers’ links with Davies and Johnson

PRESTON have hit out over transfer speculation about their players amid Celtic and Rangers' links with Ben Davies and Daniel Johnson.

The Hoops were first linked with a move for Lilywhites defender Davies last month.

While we told you last week that the Light Blues were eyeing a bid for Johnson, though they hadn't yet tabled an offer.

Now, amid the Old Firm rivals' interest in the Preston duo, the English side have hit out at unnamed clubs over speculation.

The club's owners' representative Peter Ridsdale issued a feisty statement on the Lilywhites' website earlier today.

He said: "Ordinarily we don’t comment on transfer speculation, however, the last few days have been frustrating as it would appear that a number of clubs are attempting to do their bidding through the press and social media.

"Some of the so called ‘informed’ comments have claimed that transfer fees have been agreed between us and at least one other club for named players.

"At the time of writing this statement no bids for any of our players have been agreed.

"Any approaches that have been made have been underwhelming in both quantum and payment timescales.

"We have always accepted that buying and selling players is a normal part of our business, but at the right price.

"Some of the so called ‘informed’ comments on social media are not only unhelpful, but frankly not true.

"We attempt to conduct our transfer dealings club to club and only announce a deal once all parties have agreed.

"We have made bids for a number of players this summer but as deals were not finalised we have refrained from confirming the identity of potential targets.

"This will remain to be our approach.

"If and when there is anything definitive to say for either incomings or sales we will make a factual statement at that time."