Preston make move to beat Celtic & Wolves to £5m transfer | OneFootball

Preston North End could break their transfer record this summer in a move that would beat Celtic and Wolves to their transfer target

Preston North End are plotting an ambitious move in the summer transfer market, but face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic.

North End are vying to build a squad that can help them land a top-eight spot in the Championship next term, following the expansion of the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Wolves are set to oversee a rebuild following their relegation from the Premier League, whereas Celtic must strengthen their ranks to help them retain the Scottish Premiership title once again.

Preston appeared capable of landing a play-off spot earlier in the 2025/26 season, but poor form in the second half of the campaign saw them finish 14th.

Preston North End make big advance for Alfie Devine

North End have enjoyed the services of Alfie Devine during his loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur this campaign, as he notched eight goals and six assists in 45 Championship appearances.

The all-action midfielder particularly impressed when Paul Heckingbottom's men beat Sheffield United 3-2 on 25 April, registering two assists at Bramall Lane.

Preston have the option to buy Devine permanently, which they have now activated according to the Lancashire Post.

The Post's report added that the fee is thought to be over £5million, which would see the Lilywhites more than double their current transfer record.

Devine still has the final say on any move this summer, while both Wolves and Celtic have been credited with interest in the talented 21-year-old, but are yet to make the move Preston now have.

Preston plan to spread their payments, while the former Wigan Athletic academy player hails from the North West, which could give Heckingbottom's men an advantage in the race for his services.

His most recent goals came when he scored a brace as North End defeated Stoke City 3-1 on 20 March, with his side's other goal coming from Milutin Osmajic.

Alfie Devine deal would be a big statement of intent from Preston

Preston have never qualified for the Championship play-offs since winning promotion from League One back in 2015, while the expansion, including seventh and eighth place, gives them a greater chance of achieving that feat next term.

North End have also failed to finish in the top half of the second tier since 2024, which they will want to rectify as soon as possible.

Acquiring Devine permanently, who has attracted interest from Wolves and Celtic, would be a huge statement of intent from North End, who want to establish play-off credentials.

The 21-year-old has been a class act in the Championship this term, and has plenty of years ahead of him to continue developing and flourishing.

Wolves have a greater chance of winning promotion to the Premier League next season than Preston, while Celtic can offer Devine Champions League football, should they successfully navigate the qualifiers.

However, Devine already knows North End well, thanks to his loan spell at Deepdale, so remaining with the Lilywhites could be the best option in terms of furthering his development.

Smashing their transfer record in itself would also demonstrate that Heckingbottom's side boast greater ambition than before, and the current Tottenham man would be at the heart of any play-off chasing efforts.