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 GMT

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...

The left-footed centre-half is on the search for a new club after seeing his brief stint at Birmingham City come to an end. Panzo, 25, has represented Coventry, Cardiff and Nottingham Forest but consistent game time has eluded him in the Championship - though he did play 31 games for the Sky Blues when they reached the play-offs in 2022/23. He also came through Chelsea's academy system and went on to play for Rio Ave in Portugal, as well as Monaco and Dijon in France.

9. Jonathan Panzo

The left-footed centre-half is on the search for a new club after seeing his brief stint at Birmingham City come to an end. Panzo, 25, has represented Coventry, Cardiff and Nottingham Forest but consistent game time has eluded him in the Championship - though he did play 31 games for the Sky Blues when they reached the play-offs in 2022/23. He also came through Chelsea's academy system and went on to play for Rio Ave in Portugal, as well as Monaco and Dijon in France. | Getty Images

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