Following a fairly barren spell after an early, busy transfer window for Preston North End, a breakthrough has reportedly been made for an attacking midfielder. The loan signing of Alfie Devine could be PNE’s latest addition.
Paul Heckingbottom is looking to reinforce his North End side with a real priority being made abundant on defensive solidity. Now that the department has been revamped, fans have been crying out for more forward-thinking investments. While still awaiting another potential, permanent attacker, Tottenham Hotspur are considering a loan deal with Preston.
Last Season’s Stats
Devine, who spent last season on loan in the Belgian First Division A, scored six goals and contributed an assist while at Westerlo. The loanee side technically finished eighth all together, with the league splitting into three separate groups once 30 matches have been played. Thomas Frank clearly values Devine as a longer-term asset, sanctioning a loan move to aid his development.
The 21-year-old has already had a decent level of exposure to first team football, specifically in the EFL. Stints at Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle have seen the attacking midfielder perform adequately at League One and Championship standard. Within Spurs’ academy, Devine has featured just shy of 70 times – per FotMob. This came after the North London side poached the former England under-20 international from Wigan Athletic’s development in 2020
Reinforcements Needed By Gaffer
Wrexham and Millwall have also been noted as interested parties, with an option-to-buy looking to be inserted if a deal comes to fruition. Heckingbottom spoke to the Lancashire Post on his priorities towards the final stages of the transfer window later this month:
“We’ve got to keep building… we have to make sure that they seize the opportunity and wanna show how good they are at this level, and win games like I said at the same time.
“I’d like another attacking midfielder/centre forward/attacking players. I think thats what we’re after; thats what I’m after.”
Writer’s View
The likelihood is that Devine will be one of a final two or three incomings at Deepdale, following a summer re-haul. Tottenham look to be pleased enough with the 21-year-old’s talent, to be allowing another year away from the club with a future in mind in North London.
Preston need more attacking flair; Devine will bring said flair. If two more permanent transfers can be struck after this acquisition – if it does complete – then the Lilywhites stake a much better claim to finish comfortably outside of the relegation zone.
