Blackburn Rovers have hit a stumbling block in their attempts to sign Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan amid links to Preston North End.
North End aren’t expected to spend massively this month and it may take a couple of exits to unlock some signings.
Many PNE fans would love to see a centre back arrive this month though, amid some concerning defensive displays under Ryan Lowe this season.
North End’s January has been eerily quiet so far, with some wondering if spending is being limited because of questions surrounding Lowe’s future.
PNE are being linked with players though and one of them is Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan – and there could be a hijack opportunity in the offing.
Blackburn Rovers move for PNE target Connor O’Riordan stalling
Reports last week indicated that PNE were interested in signing O’Riordan but were missing out to Blackburn Rovers.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men were allegedly activating a £500,000 release clause in O’Riordan’s contract and a deal was thought to be imminent.
The move has hit some problems though with The Sun’s Alan Nixon reporting on Sunday that payment terms were an issue.
Crewe want the £500,000 fee in one go whereas Rovers want to stagger payments over time, throwing a potential spanner in the works.
The Lancashire Telegraph add that Rovers paying that fee in one go is ‘difficult’ right now, so talks over the structure are ongoing.
That may just turn a few heads inside PNE, with an opportunity to nip and hijack the deal arising.
PNE don’t have tons of wiggle room in terms of Financial Fair Play, so may also find paying £500,000 in one lump to be a little tricky.
It’s a deal worth exploring though with Rovers so far unable to come to an agreement with Crewe, leaving the door open for another team to pounce.
PNE have just sent midfielder Lewis Leigh on loan to Crewe as well, so there is a decent connection there and Leigh’s move may even help if North End asked about O’Riordan.
The 20-year-old centre back has impressed in League Two this season and has emerged as an exciting talent for the future.
That is the kind of player PNE fans would love to see arrive at Deepdale, especially in the back line.
Greg Cunningham and Patrick Bauer are both out of contract in the summer, as is Andrew Hughes – but he may have a one-year option in his contract.
PNE need to recruit new defenders in 2024 and O’Riordan certainly fits the bill, but whether North End can stump up the cash to hijack Rovers for his signature remains to be seen.