The versatile attacker saw a memorable spell at Ipswich Town come to an end this summer. He spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and has both experience/success at Championship level on his CV. While his peak may have been and gone, Chaplin is still a clever operator with quality in his locker. Derby County have been credited with interest.placeholder image
The versatile attacker saw a memorable spell at Ipswich Town come to an end this summer. He spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and has both experience/success at Championship level on his CV. While his peak may have been and gone, Chaplin is still a clever operator with quality in his locker. Derby County have been credited with interest. | Getty Images

9 free agents that could interest Preston North End - including ex-Ipswich Town and Coventry City men

By George Hodgson
Published 28th May 2026, 14:33 BST

The free agent market could prove an important one again for PNE

It remains to be seen what resources Preston North End have to work with in this summer’s transfer window.

Whether a takeover is concluded at Deepdale or not, though, the free agent market - as well as loan - is one the Lilywhites will surely look to.

Last summer, PNE brought in a number of free transfers and manager Paul Heckingbottom expects them to still play a part moving forwards.

With that in mind, we’ve scoured the latest retained lists and pulled out some names North End may well cast an eye over...

PNE are on the search for another number two after selling Jack Walton to Dundee United. Collins has left Coventry City after three years there. Last season, he made 40 appearances for Burton Albion in League One. The shot-stopper, 29, has made 285 first team appearances in his career - with 124 of those coming in the Championship. He came through at Chelsea and has also represented Barnsley and Forest Green.

5. Bradley Collins

PNE are on the search for another number two after selling Jack Walton to Dundee United. Collins has left Coventry City after three years there. Last season, he made 40 appearances for Burton Albion in League One. The shot-stopper, 29, has made 285 first team appearances in his career - with 124 of those coming in the Championship. He came through at Chelsea and has also represented Barnsley and Forest Green. | Getty Images

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Stevenage confirmed they are in talks with the midfielder over fresh terms but it remains to be seen whether he stays on board. White, 24, was a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy and had loans at Derby County and Portsmouth earlier in his career. Since joining Stevenage in 2023 he has made 118 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting 15. He is said to be attracting interest from Luton Town and clubs in the Championship.

6. Harvey White

Stevenage confirmed they are in talks with the midfielder over fresh terms but it remains to be seen whether he stays on board. White, 24, was a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy and had loans at Derby County and Portsmouth earlier in his career. Since joining Stevenage in 2023 he has made 118 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting 15. He is said to be attracting interest from Luton Town and clubs in the Championship. | Getty Images

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PNE and QPR have been linked with the Dutch left-back, who is a free agent after leaving NAC Breda. As per reports, it's thought FC Utrecht are showing the most interest but North End have made enquiries. Kemper has 87 appearances to his name in the Dutch top flight. He scored five goals and assisted four last season and carries a threat from set-pieces.

7. Boy Kemper

PNE and QPR have been linked with the Dutch left-back, who is a free agent after leaving NAC Breda. As per reports, it's thought FC Utrecht are showing the most interest but North End have made enquiries. Kemper has 87 appearances to his name in the Dutch top flight. He scored five goals and assisted four last season and carries a threat from set-pieces. | ANP/AFP via Getty Images

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The 28-year-old has plenty of Championship experience under his belt and is on the search for a new club, after leaving Bristol City. Sykes, capable of playing both centrally and wide, scored 17 goals and assisted 10 for the Robins across four seasons. His availability record over the years is strong; the obvious question would be whether he boosts Preston's attack enough.

8. Mark Sykes

The 28-year-old has plenty of Championship experience under his belt and is on the search for a new club, after leaving Bristol City. Sykes, capable of playing both centrally and wide, scored 17 goals and assisted 10 for the Robins across four seasons. His availability record over the years is strong; the obvious question would be whether he boosts Preston's attack enough. | Getty Images

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