The Tottenham Hotspur man had a successful loan spell at Deepdale last season
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Preston North End have activated their option-to-buy Alfie Devine and now face crunch talks with the player, the Lancashire Post understands.
The midfielder spent last season on loan with the Lilywhites and had a strong individual campaign, scoring eight goals and assisting as many, across 48 appearances. PNE inserted a buy-option in the loan agreement with Spurs, and personal terms were said to have been pre-agreed.
The fee is thought to be in excess of £5million. North End plan to spread their payments but it would still see the club more than double its transfer record. However, Devine still has the final say on any move this summer and while discussions are scheduled for next week, he is under no pressure to rush into a decision.
Relegated Wolves have been credited with interest in the 21-year-old - as have Scottish Premiership champions, Celtic. Devine is believed to have more suitors - including others in the second tier - but no offers on the table at this stage. PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom stressed that the club must try to bring last season’s loan stars back if possible.
He was strong on Devine, simply replying, ‘Yeah’, when asked if he expects North End to do all they can to sign him. The former Plymouth Argyle loanee caught Heckingbottom’s eye while playing on loan in Belgium two seasons ago, for Westerlo, and he has made his belief in the player crystal clear.
When asked about his future, Devine said towards the end of the season: “I know that I will be pushing for the thing that will be the best for me and what I want for myself, not what other people will want for me. I will be sure to pick something that is right for me and if that takes time, then it takes time.”