Preston are once again being linked with a move for Cheltenham Town defender Will Boyle ahead of the summer transfer window.
North End were heavily linked with Boyle last summer with Football Insider first reporting interest from Deepdale.
No move materialised last summer as Preston instead signed Liam Lindsay permanently to bolster their defensive options.
Since then, Preston have also signed defender Bambo Diaby and he could earn a contract extension this summer.
It’s therefore something of a surprise that Preston are again being linked with Boyle.
The News in Portsmouth claim that Pompey are keen to sign Boyle on a free transfer with his Cheltenham deal coming to an end.
Yet the report adds that Boyle is also attracting interest from Preston and Sheffield Wednesday, both of whom were linked last summer.
Boyle is a left-footed centre back who has been operating on the left of Michael Duff’s back three at Cheltenham.
That may appeal to Preston and Ryan Lowe given the 3-5-2 system being utilised at Deepdale, but it doesn’t seem like a priority right now.
Andrew Hughes has been superb this season whilst Lowe has admitted that he has previously seen Josh Earl as an option in that position.
Add in that Greg Cunningham can play there too, as can Lindsay if needed, and it’s hard to see a left-footed centre back being an absolute priority.
Boyle is at least available for free and can provide a goal threat, hitting seven goals last season.
Turning 27 in September, it’s hard to see Boyle ticking the boxes for Preston this summer, and a move within League One seems far more likely.
Portsmouth seem to be leading the hunt, and we can’t imagine that Preston will be rushing to rival them this summer.