NafisaPreston North End have activated the £6 million option-to-buy clause contained in Alfie Devine’s contract…
The midfielder has been impressing during his spell away from parent club Tottenham Hotspur and it now looks as though the Deepdale outfit are keen to secure the services of the player who has been linked with both Celtic and Rangers ahead of the summer window.
21-year-old has made 48 appearances for Preston, scoring eight goals:
Devine, who has racked up 48 appearances for Preston in the Championship this season, played a key role in helping the Lancashire side secure a 14th-place finish. During his time with the Lilywhites, the 21-year-old netted eight goals and registered the same number of assists, attracting attention from several clubs ahead of the off-season.
It was reported around a month ago that Devine was among a number of players being monitored by Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill during a visit to watch Preston North End take on Queens Park Rangers.
Martin O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham watched him on Easter Monday
Naturally, speculation intensified regarding who O’Neill and assistant Mark Fotheringham were there to observe on Easter Monday, with reports suggesting Devine was one of the names under consideration.
If that was indeed the case, Preston have now moved ahead of Celtic and other interested clubs, according to the Lancashire Post. The publication reports that Preston have exercised the previously agreed £6 million purchase option in an attempt to make the midfielder’s loan spell under former Hibs manager Paul Heckingbottom permanent.
Spurs may choose to wait
However, the report adds that Tottenham could decide against immediately accepting the arrangement while they assess whether further interest emerges for a player who has only 12 months remaining on his contract.
Complicating matters further, the report states that Preston would prefer to pay the fee through several instalments, an arrangement that is not particularly attractive to Tottenham as they prepare for a major summer rebuild of their own under Roberto De Zerbi.
Devine in no hurry to determine his future
De Zerbi rescued the club from what could have been an embarrassing relegation following a difficult campaign, with widespread squad changes expected at Spurs. Furthermore, the Lancashire Post claims that Devine will have significant influence over his next destination and is under no pressure to make an immediate decision.
One to keep an eye on. The youngster may well be tempted by the opportunity of Champions League football with the five-in-a-row* Scottish champions Celtic.
Nafisa
