Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton is chasing ex-Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen, according to the Athletic.
Johansen, signed by Ronny Deila in 2014 from Strømsgodset, has been out of favour at Fulham this season.
According to The Athletic’s Peter Rutzler, the Norwegian midfielder could be set to drop a tier in order to play regularly.
The Norwegian’s contract runs out in 2022. Johansen has already been sent out on loan from Craven Cottage, with a spell at West Brom in 2019.
Former Celtic man Johansen was Player of the Year for the 14-15 season, and was a big hit with the Hoops faithful.
Fulham are currently 18th in the Premier League, and are looking to trim the squad. The Athletic’s report suggests Jean Michael Seri could be bound for Galatasaray.
QPR poss Warburton will have seen Johansen close up, during his first season with Rangers in 15-16 (Transfermarkt).
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Former Celtic man Stefan Johansen in demand
Johansen, who holds 55 caps for Norway, needs regular game time. Somewhat of a Championship specialist, the ex-Celtic man has been promoted twice with Fulham.
Warburton will be keen to use the former Celt’s experience in the second tier. His QPR side sit 20th in the Championship (BBC), with the Englishman’s contract set to run out in the summer.
With the squad they have (Transfermarkt), Warburton will be keen to turn around QPR’s fortunes. They boast the talents of Lyndon Dykes, Chris Willock, and to a lesser extent Lee Wallace.
They have, however, had to do without the talents of Eberechi Eze, after his £16m move to Crystal Palace (Sky Sports).
Johansen has remained a Celtic enthusiast since leaving the club in 2016. In February of last year, the Fulham midfielder was talking up the club’s title chances. We’re hoping he doesn’t feel compelled to do the same this February.
A mobile central midfielder with an excellent range of passing, the Norwegian is an asset at Championship level. While it might not have worked out long term at Celtic, he’s clearly a talented player. It’s no wonder Warburton is keen.