League One club reportedly agree deal which impacts Preston North End transfer potential
There was transfer speculation around the PNE man last weekend
Bradford City’s interest in Preston North End striker Michael Smith was short lived, according to reports.
Last weekend, the Bantams were credited with interest in the 34-year-old - who signed for PNE last summer on a two-year deal. Smith made 40 appearances across all competitions in his maiden year at Preston and scored three goals.
The Lilywhites are thought to be open to moving Smith on over the coming months, if a move materialises which suits all parties. However, a switch to Bradford - which would’ve suited the Yorkshire-based forward - is now said to be off the cards.
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that the Bantams are wrapping up a deal for Jake Beesley, which will ‘end’ their interest in Smith. PNE legend Graham Alexander is in charge of Bradford and guided them to the play-off semi-finals last season.
Smith has an impressive goal scoring record in League One and as reported by the Lancashire Post, it’s believed other EFL sides have made enquiries ahead of the transfer window opening on June 15.
PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom predominantly used Smith from the bench, with 13 starts made by the veteran. His last goal in 2025/26 came in early November, at Millwall, after strikes at West Brom in October and Hull City in September.
When asked about Smith in March, Heckingbottom said: “I thought he started the season great. He had moments that went against him... QPR, Leicester, I think he had almost double figures for shots on target.
“Some with his head and one or two of those things go in, it's a different set-up for him. But, he's certainly appreciated, the work he does for the team and his team-mates. That cannot be underestimated, helping us get over the line.
“So when we spoke previously about having that first goal and then getting over the line, he's a huge, huge part of that. He would want more goals and things to drop for him, all strikers want that.
“But no way could I say single Smudge out without speaking about any of the other players. There's always 11 on the pitch. Where we've not been pleased with the performance, we've got to change them and it's not down to an individual player.”