Report: Preston making moves for Bolton talent, Rangers also keen

According to the Daily Mail, North End have registered an interest in signing Bolton Wanderers midfielder Luca Connell.

Wanderers have been in financial meltdown for some time now, and will start next season on -12 points due to administration.

North End helped out their staff last week by sending £2000 worth of food vouchers to unpaid staff, but may be looking to sign one of their players.

Sammy Ameobi has been mentioned by some, but the Daily Mail claim that North End are firmly in the race for teenager Connell.

Connell, 18, was one of the few shining lights in a dismal Bolton season. He broke into the side earlier this year, and quickly became a fan favourite with some tenacious displays.

A Republic of Ireland youth international, Connell is out of contract this summer. He would be a real talent for North End to develop, and we recently suggested that he would be perfect for Preston to target.

However, the new reports suggest that Premier League duo Norwich City and Southampton are keen. Meanwhile, Rangers are in the race, hoping to lure him to Scotland.

That means North End face a real battle attempting to lure Connell to Deepdale. All three would be able to offer bigger wages, bigger crowds, and a higher standard of football. Scottish football in general may not be better, but Rangers have European football.

North End can offer the most local move to the Liverpudlian though, as well as more chance of playing regularly now. Having already regularly played in the Championship, Connell may not want to go and sit in the reserves elsewhere.

Preston have plenty to offer Connell, but it may be a real struggle luring him to Deepdale ahead of the other clubs. It’s certainly worth a bid though, with Connell looking to have a huge future ahead of him.