Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers are joining the race to sign AFC Wimbledon striker Ali Al-Hamadi after links to Preston North End.
PNE simply had to add new attacking firepower over the summer and certainly delivered.
Will Keane arrived from Wigan Athletic before Milutin Osmajic came in from Cadiz on transfer deadline day.
Others were linked over the course of the summer, and one of them was AFC Wimbledon hitman Ali Al-Hamadi.
PNE were linked with Ali Al-Hamadi move
Football Insider reported in May that PNE were battling Bristol City in the race to sign Al-Hamadi.
Al-Hamadi was in the Tranmere youth ranks during James Wallace’s time there, before moving on to Swansea City, crossing paths with PNE coach Mike Marsh.
Al-Hamadi moved on to Wycombe Wanderers, but also spent time out on loan at Bromley, playing under Freddie Woodman’s father Andy.
There were a few interesting connections in terms of Al-Hamadi, but no move materialised.
The Iraq international hit 10 goals in 19 games after joining AFC Wimbledon in January and he is now impressing in League Two again.
Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers join Al-Hamadi chase
TEAMtalk now claim that Leeds United are showing an interest in signing Al-Hamadi.
The Whites are pushing for promotion back to the Premier League and seemingly believe that Al-Hamadi can offer a Championship goal threat.
Leeds aren’t alone though as Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are also interested.
Rovers are understood to have made ‘regular checks’ on Al-Hamadi this season and AFC Wimbledon are now bracing themselves for bids.
Could PNE get involved in this race again?
It’s hard to imagine a January move for Al-Hamadi after signing Keane and Osmajic, whilst Ched Evans is back and Emil Riis will return in December.
PNE are well-stocked up front, so maybe will now see Al-Hamadi coming up against North End in the second half of the season.