League One side enquire about Preston North End man after Bradford City interest
He made the move to PNE last summer from Sheffield Wednesday
Preston North End have held initial talks with Mansfield Town over Michael Smith, the Lancashire Post understands.
The League One outfit - who finished 10th last season - are believed to have enquired about the experienced centre-forward.
Smith joined PNE last summer on a free transfer, following his departure from Sheffield Wednesday. He put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract.
The 34-year-old’s debut campaign saw him make 40 appearances (13 starts) across all competitions and score three goals.
His last league start came in the bruising home defeat to Hull City, on January 20. After that, Smith was utilised as a substitute on 10 occasions.
Bradford City were credited with interest in Smith earlier this month but that was short-lived, as the Bantams swooped in for Jake Beesley.
Time will tell whether a move to the Stags gathers pace. As previously reported, PNE are thought to be open to a sale if it works for all parties.
Smith boasts a strong goal scoring record in League One. The last time he played in the third tier, he netted 17 goals for the Owls as they gained promotion.
Between 2021 and 2023, across spells with Wednesday and Rotherham United, Smith made 87 appearances and scored 35 goals.