Ben Pearson's future 'lies away' from Preston North End reveals Alex Neil

Ben Pearson has told Preston North End that his future lies away from Deepdale.
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PNE manager Alex Neil revealed after the 2-0 defeat at Bristol City on Saturday that the midfielder had indicated that he wouldn't be signing a new contract.

Pearson wasn't in the squad at Ashton Gate despite now having recovered from an ankle injury sustained in early December.

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The 26-year-old has been offered a new deal on the same terms Alan Browne signed last week. Daniel Johnson and Ben Davies have also got that offer on the table.

Preston North End midfielder Ben PearsonPreston North End midfielder Ben Pearson
Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson

Neil chose a midfield three of Browne, Ben Whiteman and Johnson for the clash with the Robins.

Jayson Molumby, who like Whiteman has been signed during the window to reinforce the midfield, came on later as a substitute.

Neil said: "Ben would have been fit to be in the squad today but we have signed some new lads who need to get some minutes now

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"I think Ben has made it clear to us that his future doesn't lie here come the end of the season.

"There is no point us going strengthening positions and bringing in players if I'm not going to give them a shot and play them."

Johnson's inclusion in the side was an indication he was more likely to sign a deal than Pearson was, Neil added.

Neil said: "Yes, at the moment DJ is much more likely than what Ben Pearson would be, that is fair to say."