Preston North End striker addresses transfer speculation

Evans was reportedly a tagret of Latics boss Leam Richardson and his club did contact PNE to see whether the Welshman would be available, though it quickly became apparent that a deal would not be done.

North End would require compensating if they were to allow Evans to leave, he is still under contract for another 12 months and Preston are light on players in the forward area.

The 33-year-old, who was sent off against Wigan on the opening day of the season, pays no mind to what is being written about a potential move.

He said: “It's just rumours. I don't read the media, I don't have any social media. For me, unless it comes to my front door, it means nothing to me.

"I'm a Preston player and I love being here. My objective when I'm here is to win games.”

With only 12 months left on his deal, the aim for Evans is to earn himself a longer contract.

He has been at Deepdale for 18 months so far, having joined from Fleetwood Town in January 2021, and is looking forward to proving he’s worth keeping around.

He said: “I'd love to stay longer but I've got to perform on the pitch and be consistent with performances, being injury free.

"I've got a whole season now to go and prove that I can go and do that. We'll see, we'll get there.

"It's an easy place to settle in, the new lads that have come in have been straight in.

"It's testament to the group. It's not a hostile place to come to, the training facilities are excellent.

"I fit in straight away and so have the new lads, it's just nice.”