Bristol City confirm exit of Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers linked midfielder
The Irishman has left the Robins after four years
Preston North End linked midfielder Mark Sykes has officially left Bristol City.
Last month, it was communicated that discussions would take place with the 28-year-old once a new manager was appointed.
The Robins lured Michael Skubala away from Lincoln City but he will not be working with Sykes, who is set to depart along with Harry Cornick and Sam Morsy.
Along with PNE, Charlton Athletic and Blackburn Rovers were credited with interest in Sykes, back in late April.
He spent four seasons at Bristol City, scoring 18 goals in 152 appearances. Sykes was signed from Oxford United - the one other English club he has represented in his career.
Sykes is a versatile operator with plenty of EFL experience under his belt. There has been no further noise around PNE since the initial interest, reported by Football Insider.
Experienced, free transfers were snapped up by manager Paul Heckingbottom this time last year and it’s a market Preston will probably look towards again.
They are yet to conclude their first piece of summer transfer business, though the window only opens on June 15, officially.
One player who has also been linked with North End is Dutch defender Boy Kemper, but it’s thought a move to another Championship club is more likely.
QPR have been mentioned as suitors. The 26-year-old left-back is available on a free transfer from NAC Breda.