Preston have taken Robbie Brady on trial as Ryan Lowe looks towards another free agent to potentially bolster his North End squad.
When Preston returned to Euxton for pre-season training on Monday, few expected to see a trialist join the North End squad.
Former Liverpool talent Ben Woodburn joined up with Preston having agreed a two-week trial with the club.
Boss Ryan Lowe hinted that more trialists could be on their way in too, and it seems that it hasn’t taken long for that to come true.
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Preston have taken Robbie Brady on trial
Lancs Live now report that Preston are taking a look at form Burnley ace Robbie Brady.
It’s understood that the Irishman has joined Woodburn in agreeing a trial spell with North End, meaning we could see both players in action against Bamber Bridge on Saturday.
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Brady, 30, becomes a free agent this summer with his Bournemouth contract coming to an end.
Bournemouth confirmed in their retained list that they were continuing talks with Brady over a new deal, but he is instead heading to train with Preston.
TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that Hull City, Burnley and Norwich City were all considering re-signing Brady, whilst Huddersfield, Middlesbrough and Sunderland were also keen.
Preston now appear to be at the front of the queue having invited Brady to train at Euxton with Lowe’s squad.
Brady would likely be a left wing back in Lowe’s 3-5-2 setup having played all down the left flank in his career.
The former Manchester United talent has great technical ability and his deliveries into the box have always been impressive.
That’s an attribute shared with Xavi Quintilla, who Preston were looking to sign but couldn’t obtain a work permit.
Brady is a proven performer and could solve a real problem for North End, but his injury record will be a major concern.
Brady has only started 14 league games in the last two seasons and played just 191 minutes for Bournemouth last season.
Cherries boss Scott Parker admitted in February that Brady ‘just can’t stay fit for any amount of time’ after picking up a calf injury that ruled him out for three months.
Lowe wants robust players and Preston don’t want another Connor Wickham situation, so it’s a little surprising to see Brady on the radar, but maybe his quality is just too hard to ignore.