Preston completed their first permanent signing of the January transfer window today, snapping up Ben Whiteman from Doncaster Rovers.
North End landed three loan signings last week, but have now dipped into the kitty to sign Whiteman for a fee believed to be around £1.5million and £2million.
The 24-year-old has been one of League One’s top players for years now, but now makes the step up to the Championship to try and further his career.
With Paul Gallagher 37 this year and both Ben Pearson and Daniel Johnson looking likely to move on for free, Preston needed another creative midfield player with quality on the ball – and Whiteman provides that.
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The news obviously hasn’t gone down too well with Donny fans who have loved Whiteman, but a move to the Championship seemed like a matter of time for their club captain.
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After finalising his move to Deepdale, Whiteman received a message from Donny teammate and club legend James Coppinger, who marvelled at ‘what a player’ Whiteman has been for the club.
Coppinger added that Whiteman has been a credit to the club with the way in which he has conducted himself, and believes he will enjoy great success at Preston whilst branding him ‘captain marvel’.