Championship rivals make enquires over former Preston North End-linked man as Stoke City close in on £8m signing

PNE were knocked out of the FA Cup on Friday evening, falling to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Harrison Bettoni’s 75th-minute strike was the difference at Deepdale, with Alfie Devine having a late goal for the Lilywhites chalked off for offside deep into stoppage time.

Attention now turns back to the transfer window for Paul Heckingbottom’s men, who are reportedly closing in on their first January signing.

Young Irish talent Cathal O’Sullivan is said to have agreed a deal in Lancashire following his departure from Cork City in November.

Elsewhere, gossip and speculation continues to do the rounds across the Championship as clubs look to strengthen ahead of the February 2 deadline.

Here are the latest transfer headlines involving PNE’s rivals.

Reported ex-PNE target set for move

Marc Leonard is expected to depart Birmingham City this January after a frustrating start to the season.

The midfielder was linked with a move to PNE in March 2024, alongside Sheffield United, Portsmouth, Cardiff City, Wrexham, Swansea City and Plymouth Argyle following an impressive loan stint with Northampton Town.

The 24-year-old instead completed a permanent switch from Brighton to St Andrews, where he played an influential role in the Blues’ League One title winning campaign.

However, Leonard has struggled in the Championship this term, which has seen him register just one assist in his 15 league outings to date.

With Chris Davies looking for improvements in his engine room with the imminent arrival of John Solis, the ex-North End-linked man is poised to depart the West Midland this month.

Birmingham Live have claimed a host of Championship and League One clubs have made enquiries over the Amex Stadium academy graduate as speculation over his future mounts.

The report states an unnamed MLS outfit and Belgian side Sint-Truidense are also interested in a potential swoop.

Leonard has amassed 64 outings following his arrival in August 2024 and has 18 months remaining on his current St Andrews terms.

Stoke set to seal Southampton man

Gavin Bazunu is poised to seal his departure from Southampton in the January window,

The Republic of Ireland international has been told he is free to leave St Mary’s before the February 2 deadline, with the Saints recruiting Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich last week.

Indeed, the keeper is believed to now be in talks with Championship rivals Stoke City to complete a loan move on a deal for the remainder of the campaign.

The Irish Independent have revealed Bazunu is closing in on a temporary switch to the Potters, who will have an £8m option to make his stay permanent in the summer.

It looks to bring to an end a frustrating three-and-a-half-year stay with Southampton for 23-year-old, who had amassed 97 appearances but also suffered two relegations from the Premier League.

Your next PNE read: Stefan Thordarson leaves Preston North End as permanent transfer confirmed