Hearts and Aberdeen want Liam Lindsay as the Preston North End defender heads towards the final months of his contract at Deepdale.
Had this rumour popped up a year ago, you would have been hard-pressed to find many PNE fans who would have been distraught.
That’s not to be harsh, but Lindsay hadn’t really impressed after turning his loan from Stoke City permanent in 2021.
Lindsay has really turned his North End career around under Ryan Lowe though and would surely be favourite for the Player of the Year award if it was voted on today.
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The Scot has racked up clearances, blocks and aerial duels throughout the season, proving to be a rock in PNE’s back line.
The problem for North End is that Lindsay is out of contract at the end of the season.
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Lindsay told the Lancashire Post just days ago that he literally hasn’t heard a thing from PNE about a new contract.
Fans have been left baffled by North End’s reluctance to even open negotiations with Lindsay, especially after his great form.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon now reports that both Aberdeen and Heart of Midlothian are interested in signing Lindsay.
Lindsay impressed in Scotland with Partick Thistle and it’s understandable that Scottish Premiership clubs would be interested.
Yet with Lindsay on good Championship money based on his time at Stoke City and now PNE, it’s hard to see Aberdeen or Hearts being able to match that money.
It may be cynical but this also sounds like a strong way for an agent to try and initiate talks with PNE quickly.
Lindsay first publicly admits that he hasn’t heard from PNE, then two clubs – both of whom can sign Lindsay to a pre-contract agreement in January – are linked in the media.
We can’t see Lindsay heading to Hearts of Aberdeen with his stock so high right now; Celtic or Rangers, sure, but Aberdeen or Hearts just doesn’t make sense for the defender right now.
Still, if PNE want to reduce the risk of losing Lindsay for nothing, they need to discuss that new deal.