Boro's Johnson interests Rangers

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he may be willing to let Adam Johnson join Rangers on loan.

The winger, 21, has been linked with the Ibrox club as Walter Smith attempts to strengthen his squad further.

Rangers sent coach Ian Durrant and scout Ewen Chester to Portugal to watch Johnson against Celtic in the Algarve Cup, as well as Cardiff’s Glenn Loovens.

Southgate told the Scottish Sun: “We have not had any contact yet from Rangers but Ian Durrant is out here in Faro so maybe we can have a chat over a beer.

“There are about 12 Championship clubs interested in taking Adam on loan.

“He’s a great prospect but he has Stewart Downing ahead of him, so we have to see how he gets on in pre-season and make a decision.

“Adam is only 21 but he’s a very good footballer. The Championship would be good for him but we had Josh Walker at Aberdeen last season and that worked out well.”