Preston North End's Callum Robinson addresses Derby speculation

Callum Robinson says he's a happy man at Preston North End amid speculation linking him with a move away from Deepdale.
Callum Robinson in action at Accrington on Tuesday night.Callum Robinson in action at Accrington on Tuesday night.
Callum Robinson in action at Accrington on Tuesday night.

The versatile forward was the subject of a bid from Derby at the end of last week, the Lilywhites swiftly rebuffing the offer believed to be in the region of £2 million.

In comes on the back of a breakthrough season for the former Aston Villa youngster, Robinson scoring 11 goals in the 2016-2017 campaign as he operated across the PNE frontline.

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The 22-year-old looks like he will be a central figure under new boss Alex Neil as well, Robinson the only outfield player to start both Saturday’s opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday and the League Cup exit at Accrington Stanley.

It has all come amid rumours about his future but PNE’s number 37 insists he isn’t paying any attention to it.

“I’m just here to play for the gaffer and the lads,” he said.

“I don’t really look into all that stuff.

“I’m really enjoying it here and I’ve got a job to do.

“The main thing is to make sure I play well now and for the season ahead.”

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Robinson isn’t the only player attracting interest from elsewhere this transfer window.

Last season’s top goalscorer Jordan Hugill has been the subject of two bids from Birmingham, the first around the £2.5 million mark.

Like Robinson, the striker cemented his place as a key man at Deepdale last season with 13 goals leading the line.

Wolves and Ipswich have also shown an interest in the striker while Sunderland and former PNE boss Simon Grayson continue to be linked with a move for his services.

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For Robinson, the attention being shown to PNE’s star men is a sign that the Lilywhites are heading in the right direction with a young, emerging squad looking to build on back-to-back 11th-placed finishes.

“Whatever’s out there it’s nice to be noticed,” he said.

“It’s because we’ve worked hard and that’s what we’ll keep doing, me and Jordan.

“We’ll keep working hard for the team and hopefully we can win at lot of games at Deepdale and have a good season.

“With the gaffer’s ideas, how pre-season went and the way we’ve started, there’s more to come from us.

“I think he’ll get the best out of every player as well.

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“I really do think we’ve got a chance of getting in the play-offs this year.”

North End travel to Pride Park next Tuesday, August 15.

Whether the Rams return with an improved offer for Robinson remains to be seen but Gary Rowett is certainly on the hunt for a wide man.

As well as Robinson, Derby have also had approaches for Leicester’s Tom Lawrence and Birmingham’s Che Adams knocked back.