Sheffield United midfielder Regan Slater won’t be signing for Preston before the transfer deadline, as he is heading back to Hull City.
That’s according to Hull Live, who claim that Preston have shown an interest in signing Slater this summer.
However, his preference has always been to rejoin Hull instead, having spent last summer on loan at the KCOM Stadium, playing an important role in Hull’s promotion.
An injury sustained in pre-season looked to have ruled out a move, but he is now getting back to fitness and Hull have decided to move.
Hull can’t sign Slater permanently right now but a loan deal looks imminent despite the midfielder being inside the final year of his Blades contract.
A pre-contract agreement could be struck in January, with Slater’s future undoubtedly set to be tied to Hull and not Preston.
It will be interesting to see if Preston do still move to sign a new midfielder.
Ryan Ledson and Ben Whiteman are Preston’s best pairing, but there is a lack of depth behind them in terms of midfielders who can play in a two.
That isn’t Alan Browne’s best role, nor Daniel Johnson’s. Slater would have fit the bill perfectly, especially with Tom Bayliss now loaned out to Wigan Athletic.
Slater may not be joining, but keep an eye out for Preston targeting a midfielder before Tuesday’s deadline.