Preston North End look to hijack Sheffield United transfer deal | OneFootball

The Lilywhites are hoping to pip the Blades to the signing of Harrison Burrows

Preston North End have made a formal offer for Peterborough United’s Harrison Burrows in an attempt to hijack Sheffield United’s move for the player - but it has been turned down.

As first reported by Football Insider via Twitter, the Lilywhites are looking to take pole position in the race to sign the full-back this summer, but Alan Nixon has reported that Posh are looking for a bigger fee.

Burrows’ future has been the subject of intense speculation already this transfer window due to Posh’s failure to gain promotion to the Championship.

Peterborough reached the play-off semi-finals, but missed out on a second tier return after losing to Oxford United in the semi-finals.

This has raised questions over the 22-year-old’s future, with clubs circling after his impressive performances in the third tier last year.

Preston North End make Harrison Burrows offer

Sheffield United have been heavily linked with a move for Burrows, and it has recently been claimed that a deal could be completed soon.

However, PNE have seemingly stolen a march on their rivals by putting forward an official offer to Peterborough for the creative wing-back.

But the Lancashire club's efforts have hit a setback, with Alan Nixon reporting that their initial offer has been rejected.

It is understood that the Blades’ financial position has constrained their ability to pursue a move so far this summer.

The Yorkshire outfit are the subject of a proposed takeover bid, which could help resolve the situation surrounding their ability to spend in the market.

However, a deal has yet to be finalised with current owner Prince Abdullah, who is hoping to retain a stake in the Championship club.

This has complicated the pursuit of Burrows, and has opened the door for a divisional rival in the form of Preston to step up their interest in the full-back.

Burrows impressed many with his performances in League One, and showed his readiness to step back up to a Championship level with the role he played in Peterborough’s pursuit of promotion.

The left-back contributed an impressive six goals and 14 assists from 45 games in the regular season, as Darren Ferguson’s side came fourth in the League One standings.

Harrison Burrows deal would be a coup for Preston North End if he arrived

Ryan Lowe will be hoping to make improvements to his first-team squad this summer after finishing 10th in the Championship last season, with no goals and no points from their last five matches of 2023-24.

The departure of Liam Millar back to parent club FC Basel has opened the door to a potential move for Burrows, who could potentially slot into his role in the team at left wing-back if a deal is completed.

Burrows has Championship experience from his time at Peterborough, featuring 37 times in the division during the 2021-22 campaign.

However, he has spent most of his career competing in League One, having come through the club’s academy system, breaking into the first-team squad as a teenager.

If PNE can get a deal over the line for Burrows ahead of Sheffield United then that would be a huge get for Lowe’s team.

It is clear that Peterborough's number 3 is ready to compete at a higher level, and his creativity would be a great asset to have for the Lancashire outfit.

He should be comfortable playing as a wing-back in Lowe’s system, given how strong he is going forward.