Cardiff City swoop for Man City star wanted by Preston North End in the summer

Preston North End's opponents later this month have moved for a player that PNE tried to sign last summer
Jordan Jones
By Jordan Jones
Published 1st Feb 2024, 15:10 BST
Josh Wilson-Esbrand was linked with a move to Preston North End. He's seemingly on his way to Cardiff City. (Image: Getty Images)Josh Wilson-Esbrand was linked with a move to Preston North End. He's seemingly on his way to Cardiff City. (Image: Getty Images)
Josh Wilson-Esbrand was linked with a move to Preston North End. He's seemingly on his way to Cardiff City. (Image: Getty Images)

Cardiff City are poised to complete the deadline day signing of a player linked with a move to Preston North End in the summer.

Football Insider is reporting that the Bluebirds are closing in on signing Josh Wilson-Esbrand. The Welsh club are in talks with the Premier League champions with just hours remaining until the 11.00 pm deadline.

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The defender was linked with a move to Deepdale in the summer after missing out on Yasser Larouci to Sheffield United. After missing out on Wilson-Esbrand, Ryan Lowe had the options of Andrew Hughes, Greg Cunningham, Robbie Brady and Kian Best down the left-hand side.

As for Wilson-Esbrand, he ended up joining French side Stade de Reims but has struggled for game time in France under manager Will Still.

The two-time England under-21 international has made 13 appearances this season for Reims but only six of them have been starts. He was given a starting opportunity in Reims' last match against FC Nantes but now Man City will want him to continue his development in the Championship.

Wilson-Esbrand was on loan at Coventry City last season and helped the Sky Blues reach the Championship play-off final. A return to England is now on the cards and North End could come up against a player that was a previous transfer target for them.

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The Welsh side are also expected to complete the signings of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and Celtic midfielder David Turnbull. PNE play Cardiff City in South Wales on Saturday, February 10 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Related topics:Cardiff CityMan CitySheffield UnitedEnglandDeepdaleRyan LoweCoventry CityRobbie Brady

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