Sheffield United and Coventry City are set to battle it out for the signature of Alan Browne who is currently a free agent after his contract with Preston North End expired, according to the latest reports.
Having joined the Lilywhites in 2014 from Irish side Cork City, Browne has spent the entirety of his professional career at Deepdale, making 414 appearances in all competitions for the Lancashire outfit, while recording 72 goal contributions.
Nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland international’s contract was always set to expire today and it was revealed back in May by head coach Ryan Lowe that the board had offered Browne a club-record proposal offer and were awaiting his response. This has been confirmed by Preston as a three-year deal.
Following a disappointing campaign for Preston in which the team finished in 10th place, having suffered five consecutive defeats to close out the season, Browne has decided to turn down the club’s promising proposition and has left as a free agent, vacating the captaincy in the process.
In a statement released this morning, Preston North End announced his departure and thanked the 29-year-old for his services over the past decade:
“Preston North End can confirm that Alan Browne’s contract expired yesterday evening on 30th June 2024.
“Alan has informed the club that he will not be accepting the offer of a three-year extension to his existing contract and he therefore leaves North End with the best wishes of everybody.
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“Whatever the remaining period of his playing career has in store for him, the club would like to wish Alan, Shauna, and their family all the best for the future. He will forever remain welcome back at Deepdale.”
It was reported by journalist Alan Nixon on his exclusive Patreon back in May that both Sheffield United and Coventry City were keeping tabs on Browne’s situation at Deepdale. Now, following this announcement, the Sheffield Star have revealed that the Blades are the keenest party to sign the Irishman.
Writer’s View
If Browne knew he was going to reject Preston’s proposal to tie his future down for another three years, he must have been aware of the interest from the likes of Sheffield United and Coventry. It seems likely that he will be announced elsewhere very soon depending on who can offer him the most lucrative deal.
For the Blades, this would make a lot of sense. The club are cash-strapped at the moment due to ongoing takeover talks, and while Browne may not be the most high-profile acquisition, he still has plenty of experience in the Championship and would be risk-free given he can be signed without any transfer fee involved.
