Preston North End announce Daniel Johnson signing

Preston North End have announced that Daniel Johnson has joined the club from Aston Villa, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract at Deepdale.

The midfielder has already had a loan spell with Preston's League One rivals Oldham earlier this season, scoring three goals in his five appearances with the team.

Manager Simon Grayson told the club's website: "We first came across Daniel over a year ago and we thought about signing him last January and have kept our eyes on him ever since.

"We had him watched numerous times when he was on loan at Chesterfield and Oldham and decided we wanted to bring him here and we were delighted he was desperate to come to us.

"There were lots of other clubs who wanted to sign him, but we had the backing of the owner to go out and spend money to secure his services. We feel he is a player who can only get better and will add something different in our midfield options."

Johnson will not be able to make his debut against Sheffield United as he is cup-tied.