Preston North End could be set to battle two EFL clubs for the signature of Warren Davis, a 20-year-old Drogheda United forward.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 striker has made 74 appearances already for the Premier Division side, with performances subsequently linking Davis to the English second and third divisions. Reading and Blackpool have also emerged as potential candidates for the 20-year-old’s arrival.
Davis has started 18 league matches this season, contributing seven goals and an assist. This is already the forward’s most prolific campaign and has now been highlighted as a promising target for the three aforementioned clubs.
How Much Is Davis Worth?
According to the Gazette, Davis has been marked with a £100,000 price tag. Understandably, the Lancashire sides will look to combat Reading’s interest in this purchase which appears to be a surface-level bargain.
Exciting Expert Insight
In an interview with Darryl Geraghty, the ‘League of Ireland expert’ offered his thoughts on the exciting rise of the 20-year-old and what the forward could offer to the interested parties:
“A lad really turning heads at the moment is Warren Davis from Drogheda United.
“He’s just after getting his first call-up to the Ireland Under-21s, which is a big moment for him – and well deserved.
“There’s talk of interest from across the water – Reading, Blackpool and Preston have been keeping tabs on him. He’s only 20, but he’s made a serious impact in the Premier Division this season.”
A further acknowledgement of Davis’ promise extends beyond just the statistics:
“You can’t ignore six goals and a couple of assists already, and it isn’t just the numbers – it’s the way he’s playing as well.
“He’s got that real spark about him. He’s got great energy, he’s lightning quick, and not afraid to run at defenders. Fearless in the final third.”
Preston have already announced four separate free deals for Jordan Thompson, Thierry Small – who requires some compensation fees – Daniel Iversen, and Pol Valentín. Departures to Emil Riis and Layton Stewart, with Will Keane potentially also on the way out, could green light a move for the Irish youngster.
Writer’s View
This would be a great, future-intention signing for Reading and Blackpool – or whoever eventually signs the youngster. Preston being in the Championship could be a pulling factor, however a step-up too soon may deter Davis for now if a loan deal would immediately be sorted away from Lancashire.
Reading and Blackpool could offer a more generous portion of first team minutes while also being conscious of the 20-year-old’s important developmental stage of his career. North End would be able to nurture his growth outside of the club with sensible temporary deals until the attacker can break into the Deepdale-playing side.
