Reports: Brighton to sanction transfer for attacker previously linked with Preston North End
The former Sunderland man spent last season on loan at Millwall
Preston North End were linked with Tommy Watson in January and he could leave on loan this summer.
According to reports, Brighton plan to send the 20-year-old winger out again after spending the second half of last season at Millwall. A host of Championship clubs are said to be keen on Watson, despite his underwhelming stint with the Lions.
Watson - who scored the winner in the play-off final for Sunderland - made 12 appearances for Millwall and assisted one goal. He only made a couple of starts for Alex Neil’s men and didn’t feature in either play-off game against Hull City.
It appears second tier sides have not been deterred by that, though, with Birmingham City one club credited with interest in the £10million man. Watson has played 10 games for Brighton since joining, with one goal scored.
Back in January, journalist Alan Nixon reported that PNE were exploring a loan move for Watson. He ended up making the move to Millwall though, amid further interest from Stoke, Derby and Bristol City.
Upon joining the Lions, he said: "I also think the style of play really suits my game. I could’ve gone to a club where they were dominant in possession and control games, but this style of play suits me more. This will get the best out of me in transitions, and also I will be able to work on the defensive side of my game as well."
Preston have operated with wing-backs for several years but found a way to fit Lewis Dobbin into a central role last season. Assistant Stuart McCall did suggest North End will be targeting wide players in the upcoming transfer window, and manager Paul Heckingbottom knows the loan market will be important for the club again. He has, though, stressed the need to prioritise permanent additions and create assets of their own.