Zidane Iqbal wants to leave Manchester United on loan this month, which will leave Preston North End fans wondering about a possible deal.
The Manchester Evening News report that Iqbal now wants senior playing time away from Old Trafford.
Iqbal was an unused substitute against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night, despite Kobbie Mainoo – a player two years his junior – being given the nod in attacking midfield.
United staff seemingly aren’t so keen, believing that Iqbal benefits from just being around first-team training with top players.
7 Footballers Who Are BETTER Than Their Fathers
Their idea is for Iqbal to go out on loan in the summer, but are giving thought to letting the teenager go out and play now United are out of the EFL Trophy.
With little prospect of Premier League or even EFL Cup appearances, Iqbal’s desire for first-team action is justified – and PNE could be a suitor.
Iqbal joined up for PNE training at the back end of last season as part of United’s work experience program with EFL clubs.
United regularly send two young players to EFL clubs to experience training around other players and in new locations.
Iqbal was joined at North End by a Red Devils teammate and Lancs Live reported at the time that United wouldn’t let him out on loan that summer.
January was tabbed as the earliest date for an Iqbal loan deal and here we are – the teenager is seeking a temporary exit.
Iqbal, 19, is one of the top young prospects at Old Trafford and already has two caps for Iraq on the international stage.
Iqbal mostly plays as a creative midfield player but has also played a little further forward, meaning Ryan Lowe could use him in his 3-4-2-1 system.
PNE may well still have an interest in Iqbal, though Lowe did suggest last week that links to Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson wouldn’t materialise because attacking midfielders are ultimately not what he is seeking right now.
That may change for a player like Iqbal, who has already spent time with North End, but you can be sure that other Championship clubs will be keen.