Preston’s hopes of signing Callum Robinson appear to be dwindling by the hour after Burnley made an approach for the West Bromwich Albion man.
North End have held an interest in Robinson for most of the summer.
The Express and Star reported earlier in the window that Preston were trying to bring Robinson back to Deepdale.
After three loan spells and a three-year permanent stay at North End, Robinson was sold by Preston to Sheffield United in 2019.
The prospect of an emotional return set pulses racing for many Preston fans, believing that the 27-year-old can provide the proven Championship quality we need.
Robinson wasn’t in the West Brom squad to face Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night, leaving Preston with hope of a late deal.
Yet, as is often the case – especially with Preston – it’s the hope that kills you.
Sky Sports claimed earlier today that Cardiff City have opened talks to try and sign Robinson before Thursday’s deadline.
North End fans may need to brace themselves for this one though, as Sky Sports add that Bristol City and, to our dismay, Burnley have joined the race.
Both clubs have made approaches to try and sign Robinson, with West Brom seemingly open to a deal.
Robinson has already had one less-than-ideal spell with Bristol City so a return there would be a surprise.
The big talking point here is Burnley.
We have already seen Sepp van den Berg and Cameron Archer pop up as Burnley targets this summer after shining for North End.
Yet seeing the Clarets sign a player who had such a long history with North End would be difficult, just as it was when they signed the likes of David Nugent and Graham Alexander.
Preston so badly need another striker and seeing a key target like Robinson head off to a local rival in Burnley would really sting.
That move would see Robinson return to Deepdale as a Burnley player in just a couple of weeks.
We can only hope that Burnley don’t sign Robinson for whatever reason, but also that Preston can somehow pull a rabbit out of the hat and bring the Ireland international to Deepdale after all.
Lancs Live suggest that North End are still in contact with Robinson’s representatives.