Preston North End are now eyeing up a move for Accrington Stanley midfielder Tommy Leigh following their relegation.
That is according to The News down in Portsmouth, as they claim that PNE are rivalling Portsmouth for Leigh’s signature.
It’s claimed that a number of clubs – both in League One and the Championship – are now keen to sign Leigh after Accrington dropped into League Two.
Accrington would allegedly want £200,000 for Leigh, who has just one year left on his contract.
Leigh was born in Portsmouth and spent some time in their youth ranks before being released as a teenager.
Leigh dropped into semi-professional football with Baffins Milton Rovers, before moving on to Bognor Regis Town in 2019.
Accrington spotted Leigh in non-league and handed him a League One chance – something he certainly repaid.
Leigh has bagged 20 goals in 78 games for Accrington, proving to be a goal threat from an attacking midfield role.
The 23-year-old has shown his quality in League One and is almost certain to leave Accrington rather than play in League Two next season.
Why would Preston North End want Tommy Leigh?
Signing a player relegated from League One may not sound all that exciting for PNE fans.
Leigh has been impressive for Accrington though and does tick a few boxes for North End.
Firstly, his versatility is really impressive and can provide some flexibility for Ryan Lowe.
Leigh has played as a box-to-box midfielder, a number 10 and even up front last season as Accrington looked to utilise his goal threat.
PNE aren’t blessed with goals, especially with Emil Riis and Ched Evans still unavailable for the start of pre-season.
Leigh may be seen as a player Lowe can move around into different roles in the final third, which is always useful.
Leigh is also of a decent age at 23, and would fit into the mould of potentially becoming a player PNE can make money on down the line.
PNE have moved away from that kind of approach in recent times but Leigh would make sense – especially at a bargain price.
Fans aren’t expecting considerable money to be spent this summer but £200,000 on Leigh may just fit into a tight budget.
North End would be banking on Leigh making the step-up to the Championship, which isn’t always easy, but there is plenty of potential in the midfielder.
Leigh may soon have a big decision to make; go back home and have another go with Pompey, or stay in Lancashire and test himself in the Championship.
That could be a tough one for Leigh, but PNE will be hoping to finally receive some positive transfer news after a quiet few weeks.