Blackburn Rovers transfer revelation raises Preston North End question marks
The Canadian spent last season on loan at PNE from AFC Bournemouth
Transfer news around one of Preston North End’s recent loan men is ramping up.
There is plenty of attention around Alfie Devine, with PNE in the hunt to bring him back on a permanent basis. Lewis Dobbin, meanwhile, is expected to get a strong move after a great individual season at Deepdale.
Currently, though, the headlines are around Daniel Jebbison. In the same week the Canadian was linked with all three promoted Championship clubs, reports have surfaced suggesting the striker is close to joining Blackburn Rovers on loan, with a buy-option.
And while the centre-forward does resemble a decent fit for returning Rovers boss, Tony Mowbray, it is an eyebrow raiser. Jebbison, while a popular, likable figure last year, divided fan opinion in terms of performance.
But if the 22-year-old is available - at this stage - for another Championship loan move, it is somewhat surprising not to see North End have a go. Manager Paul Heckingbottom has a strong relationship with him and spoke about trying to bring all loan players back.
Mid-season, he also pointed out how he felt Jebbison was getting back to his best levels and that it will be frustrating to probably lose him at the end of the season. The Canadian, while raw, has time on his side and possesses immense athleticism.
The player himself set out his ambition to play at the highest level, as soon as possible. If that didn’t prove to be the case, though, Jebbison appeared open to a PNE return. After a first real season of consistent football, it will be interesting to see how next year goes for him.
An optimistic outlook is that North End may simply believe there are better striking options out there. But Preston’s forward line may require serious surgery and if funds are limited, Jebbison could’ve been a useful one to reunite with; continuity can be healthy.
Not necessarily as someone to hang your hat on for 15+ goals, but certainly to provide a different dynamic, inject pace and add counter-attack threat. Time will tell whether the Lilywhites were right to look elsewhere.