With the exciting promise of 2024 now within touching distance, it's time to start thinking about what the new year can bring. The January transfer window is right around the corner and before we know it, we will have ticked off another thrilling season of Championship football as well.
Preston North End were unable to end their year on a high, falling to a slim 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday. But it isn't long before the Lilywhites are back in action and there is of course, still a lot of time left for them to close the gap on the teams above them and challenge for a spot in this season's play-offs.
While the football resumes, clubs will need to keep an eye on the transfer market and PNE have some important decisions to consider. As we head into new year, as many as 14 players are approaching the end of their respective contracts at Deepdale.
Take a look below at all the names who are out of contract next summer as things stand, including players who have joined or left Preston on loan this season.
5. Ben Woodburn
Woodburn joined the club just last summer and had an extra year triggered in the summer of 2023 | Getty Images
6. Andrew Hughes
Hughes was due to be out of contract in 2022 but signed an extension until next summer. There is a one year option for PNE. | Getty Images
7. Patrick Bauer
Bauer also signed a new deal in 2022 but as things stand he is out of contract next summer. Peter Ridsdale has said there is a one year option. | Getty Images
8. Greg Cunningham
An extension was recently triggered to keep the defender at Deepdale until June 2024 | Getty Images