Preston North End are amongst a trio of clubs currently chasing Plymouth Argyle midfielder Mickel Miller, according to Football Insider.
Portsmouth and Oxford United, both newly promoted to the second tier, are said to be the other two clubs chasing the 28-year-old’s signature. He has appeared 43 times for the Pilgrims across the last two seasons in the Championship and League One.
Most of his appearances have come in the Scottish Premier League, where he played over 60 times for Hamilton Academicals. The left-sided midfielder has also had spells with Rotherham United, where he played 39 times and Northampton Town, where he appeared on loan, taking to the field 12 times.
Plymouth announced last week that they had offered Miller a new contract, with his existing deal set to expire in the coming weeks. Other clubs are keeping a close eye on the situation though, including Argyle’s division rivals Preston. The Lilywhites finished 10th this season, although Ryan Lowe’s side did lose six of their last nine games and the manager may well be seeking reinforcements.
Portsmouth were named champions of League One with a finishing total of 97 points, losing just five times in their 46 matches. Oxford would go on to be victorious in gaining promotion via the play-offs, beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
This season, the Home Park club have deployed Miller as a left wing-back and a left-back in both a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 formation and it is that sort of versatility that has brought other teams to the fold. However, his current employers will be hoping that a deal can be struck to extend his stay on the south coast.
Writer’s View
With the U’s bracing themselves for bids for star winger Josh Murphy, who is attracting intense interest, it is not a surprise to see their name here at all. That being said, even if Murphy stays then Miller on one wing and Murphy on the other is not a bad start for Oxford.
Portsmouth and Preston will be looking to improve as well though, so their attraction is also perfectly plausible. One thing is for sure, someone will be getting an experienced midfielder who if treated correctly, will hit the net and help his teammates to score as well.