Preston North End look set to miss out on the signing of Crewe Alexandra defender Connor O’Riordan as he prepares to join Blackburn Rovers.
The January transfer window is open and PNE fans would no doubt love to see a new defender arrive this month.
North End are leaking far too many goals this season and it may be time to invest in a centre back.
Jack Whatmough has shown promising signs but more athleticism is required at the back and PNE have been linked with Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei.
Another option a little closer to home has now been linked – but it looks like PNE are poised to miss out…
Blackburn Rovers set to sign PNE target Connor O’Riordan
The Lancashire Telegraph now report that PNE have shown an interest in signing Crewe Alexandra central defender Connor O’Riordan.
It’s suggested that PNE have shown an interest in O’Riordan, alongside bitter rivals Blackpool.
However, O’Riordan is instead heading to Blackburn Rovers with a £500,000 deal on the verge of completion.
O’Riordan has a £500,000 release clause in his contract and Rovers have activated it, paving the way for his move to Ewood Park.
PNE may still be interested in case O’Riordan’s deal collapses, but the expectation is that O’Riordan will be a Rovers player by the weekend.
20-year-old O’Riordan hails from Crewe and has come up in the famed youth ranks at Gresty Road.
A 6ft 4in centre back, O’Riordan is now shining for Crewe after earning valuable experience on loan at Kidsgrove Athletic, Nantwich Town and Raith Rovers.
Now a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, O’Riordan appears to have big potential and he popped on North End’s radar ahead of the January window.
Boss Ryan Lowe is a former Crewe player and may still have one eye on his old club and the talents they produce like O’Riordan.
Sadly, it looks like PNE are going to miss out here, but the interest at least indicates that North End are looking in the transfer market.