Value in possible Preston North End transfer underlined as Derby County close to £6m deal

It would be a significant sum of money by Preston North End’s standards but £6million for Alfie Devine - in today’s climate - is by no means excessive.

That is understood to be the fee in PNE’s buy-option, which they have now activated as they target the permanent addition of the Tottenham Hotspur man.

As reported, the midfielder has suitors elsewhere and he will ultimately have the final say on where he goes this summer.

Spreading the fee over three years is thought to be Preston’s proposal - the deal would see North End triple their current transfer record.

While that will raise eyebrows given the lack of player sales and further incoming business required this summer, it has been a long time coming.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom has made clear his belief that, at some point, PNE must speculate to accumulate on a higher level than ever before.

And sometimes it is worth stepping out of the Lilywhites’ world, to see what other deals are being done across the Championship.

One which immediately stands out is Derby County’s permanent swoop for Bobby Clark - who spent last season on loan from RB Salzburg.

The midfielder was a big hit with the Rams, who are now reportedly close to agreeing a £6m move for the ex-Liverpool man.

Derbyshire Live reporter, Leigh Curtis, describes that as ‘a small price to pay for a player of his experience and his age.’

Clark boasts top pedigree and earned plenty of plaudits for his efforts last year, but Devine is the same age as him and posted superior numbers.

The Derby loan man scored three goals and assisted three in 42 league games, while Devine netted eight and assisted seven in 45 outings - an excellent contribution.

Preston would probably be able to make an instant profit on the midfielder if they wanted to, never mind in 12 months’ time, following another strong season at the level.

Adding a player of Devine’s quality would be a huge coup for PNE but perhaps more importantly, he would almost certainly kickstart a player trading process.

When signed initially, the expectation was that Devine would operate as a number ten, in pockets of space behind the strikers.

As the season progressed, there were clear signs that the 21-year-old’s long-term position will be central midfield.

More and more midfielders in this day and age can do it all and Devine has the potential to evolve into a team’s conductor.

He can run, tackle, pass, shoot and behind all of that skill is terrific appetite for the game, and an intelligent football brain. It’s a lot of money but unquestionably, a price worth paying.