PNE boss adds midfielder to his ranks ahead of the new league season.

Preston North End have completed their fifth summer signing with the arrival of midfielder Léo Leroy from Basel.

The 26-year-old Frenchman has signed a three-year deal at Deepdale ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener at Bolton Wanderers.

While the fee is undisclosed, the Post understands it could potentially rise to €3.5m.

Leroy previously played in Ligue 1 for Montpellier, as well as in the Swiss Super League for Basel.

After completing the move, he said: “I’m very proud to join this club. I will give everything for this team and for the fans.

“There is an exciting project here at Preston and it is a big step in my career.

“My goal is for us to finish in the play-offs and make all of the fans proud.”

Leroy, who will wear the number 27 shirt, follows Lee Nicholls and Alfie Devine in signing permanent PNE deals, in addition to the arrivals of loanees Jusef Erabi and Delano Burgzorg.

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He started his career with Chateauroux in Ligue 2, breaking into their first team while still just a teenager, where his performances caught the eye of Ligue 1 side Montpellier.

Three years of top-flight football followed before he made the move to Basel, where he gained experience in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, alongside winning the Swiss Super League and Swiss Cup.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom added: “We’re really happy to bring Léo in.

“He’s a good technical player, with great experience and someone who’s comfortable getting on the ball in deeper positions, but also someone who likes to join the attacks as well.

“He’s got a really good pedigree and a calm personality. We want to make sure that we value those qualities so people can see what he is, because I’ve been really impressed with the things I’ve seen from him.”