Preston North End loan man linked with Premier League trio including Coventry City
The former Sheffield United man spent last season at PNE
Preston North End loan man Daniel Jebbison has been linked with all three clubs promoted from the Championship last season.
The Canadian scored six goals during his Lilywhites loan and has two years left to run on his AFC Bournemouth contract. Jebbison also provided two assists for Paul Heckingbottom’s side, with 40 appearances made across all competitions - 24 of those starts.
A return to PNE looks unlikely as things stand, though it has been claimed that the Cherries want to secure the striker another Championship loan move. Coventry, Ipswich and Hull are said to have ‘expressed firm interest’ in Jebbison.
On top of that, a host of Championship sides have been mentioned as possible suitors - including PNE’s Lancashire rivals Burnley and Blackburn Rovers. Jebbison’s parent club are not looking to sanction a permanent exit, according to the report.
North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was a big factor in the 22-year-old’s move to Deepdale. While other loan players stole the limelight, the Canadian struck up a positive rapport with the Preston faithful.
Posting on Instagram at the end of the season, he said: ‘A season full of learning and amazing experience. I’d love to thank everyone @pnefcofficial and all the supporters that stuck by us for the whole season. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart’.
Heckingbottom said he wanted to try and bring all loanees back next season. Having worked with the centre-forward as a youngster at Sheffield United, the PNE boss felt Jebbison was getting back to his best.
The player himself was asked if he’d be keen for a return to Deepdale, and was honest about his ambition to play at the highest level. Jebbison did also emphasise how much he had enjoyed his time at Preston and that game time will be his ultimate priority.
Elements of Jebbison’s game are still raw but he boasts terrific athletic qualities and has scope to get better. Another year in the Championship next season would do him well; the Premier League would feel a big jump. However, promoted clubs have to accept that relegation is a possibility and therefore Jebbison could represent a smart investment.