Preston North End are in the race to sign Bohemians striker Georgie Kelly – but face a fight with Sunderland and Wigan Athletic for him.
That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that Kelly is a wanted man over in England.
This past season, Kelly smashed 25 goals and six assists in 37 games for Bohemians across all competitions.
Kelly’s superb record has sparked interest in England, with Preston now believed to be keen.
League One teams Sunderland and Wigan Athletic are also interested though, with Kelly available for free.
The 25-year-old’s contract is coming to an end and he won’t be extending his stay with Bohemians.
Kelly has made it clear that he will be leaving Ireland, striking while the iron is hot having won the PFAI Player of the Year award.
A physical target man, Kelly’s record before last season is patchy. He scored regularly for UCD but then blew hot and cold at Dundalk.
Ryan Lowe’s style of play will need quick attackers, and Kelly doesn’t quite fit that bill. In terms of a target man, Preston already have Ched Evans.
Preston fans will be worried as the club’s recent recruitment from Ireland has been a mixed bag.
Alan Browne and Seani Maguire have done well, but Andy Boyle, Daryl Horgan, Kevin O’Connor and Graham Burke were misses.
Going for a striker in his mid-20’s from the League of Ireland feels like a gamble, even on a free transfer – and he doesn’t really seem like a fit for Lowe’s style.