Preston North End man attracting transfer interest one year after Sheffield Wednesday exit
The forward scored three goals for the Lilywhites last season
Bradford City have been linked with a move for Preston North End striker Michael Smith.
The Lilywhites snapped the experienced forward up last summer after his departure from Sheffield Wednesday. He went on to make 40 appearances - 13 of those starts - for Paul Heckingbottom’s side, scoring three goals and assisting one.
But, with 12 months left to run on his PNE contract there is the possibility of Smith moving on this summer. While the manager clearly values the 34-year-old, it’s understood North End wouldn’t stand in Smith’s way - with a permanent exit more likely than a loan.
Journalist Alan Nixon has credited the Bantams with interest in the forward; it’s believed a handful of EFL outfits have made enquiries. Bradford are managed by PNE legend Graham Alexander and lost in the League One play-off semi-finals to Bolton Wanderers last year.
Smith has a track record of scoring goals in the third tier with a combined 34 netted for Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, between 2021 and 2023. In the 2024/25 campaign, he scored eight Championship goals for the Owls and assisted four.
A departure would leave Preston’s strike-force even thinner with Daniel Jebbison, Lewis Dobbin, Will Keane and Milos Lukovic gone from last season. There is also speculation about Milutin Osmajic leaving, given the Montenegrin has one year left on his deal.