Lancashire Evening Post

Ross Chapman reports from Deepdale as goals from on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine and Milutin Osmajic clinch victory for PNE

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Preston North End secured their first Championship win of the season, in their first home outing, defeating Leicester City 2-1 at Deepdale.

The Foxes’ youngest ever goal scorer Jeremy Monga equalised either side of North End’s two strikes, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side clinching all three points late in the day.

On his first Deepdale start in the Championship, Thierry Small had two early efforts just inside the box but the first deflected wide and the second just brushed past the side netting. Two minutes later, it was the opposite wing back who picked out the crucial pass, as Pol Valentin searched for Alfie Devine down the right-hand side and weighted his ball perfectly.

The Tottenham Hotspur loan man broke into an advanced position down the flank, rounded the sweeping goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk with ease and expertly fired home into the side of the net. Devine took the shot on at what many would deem to be an awkward angle, but PNE’s new man displayed all the composure and quality required.

After a spell in which Leicester had a lot of the ball but threatened very little, Milutin Osmajic was found inside the box on 24 minutes by Devine, but he couldn’t hit his effort cleanly. Moments later, Valentin’s teasing cross into the box found Michael Smith at close quarters, but his bullet header was guided inches wide of the bottom corner.

North End continued to cause issues for the Foxes in the final 15 of the first half but were unable to extend their lead, with Small and Valentin continuing to have joy out wide. The Lilywhites were well worthy of their half time lead with former Fox, Daniel Iversen, leaving the Deepdale turf untroubled at the break. Jordan Ayew’s header wide from the free -kick of Bilal El Khannouss was the closest Leicester came.

Two minutes after the restart, PNE came so close once again to a second, this time captain Ben Whiteman got the right bend on his free kick from inside the ‘D’, but it curled past the post. Small then bombed down the left-hand side once more on 52 minutes, creating space for a cross towards Osmajic, but the Montenegrin couldn’t connect from close range.

Not long after, his striking partner Michael Smith found himself in a good spot on the right-hand side of the area but his effort only found the side netting. North End’s number 24 tested Stolarczyk midway through the half, meeting Whiteman’s dead ball delivery with a point-blank header but the ‘keeper made a routine save.

The visitors then began to turn the screw; they had yet to test Iversen up until Abdul Fatawu forced a tremendous save from the Dane, who dived to his right to deny him the equaliser from point blank range. However, his former side levelled things up seconds later.

Substitute Monga, who only turned 16-years-old last month, scored his first goal for the Foxes after working his way into the North End box and powering the ball into the near corner. Ayew then had a great chance to turn the game around as the momentum of the game switched, but the Ghanaian saw his well struck effort hit the wrong side of the post.

North End stood firm for the following few minutes as Leicester endeavoured to produce their second comeback in a week, but PNE would get their reward for such a strong showing - against newly-relegated opposition - and fears of wasted chances coming back to haunt them were banished.

A superb counter attack led by Small and Osmajic gave the Lilywhites the clincher, the former bursting down the flank and launching a low, sweeping cross to find the Montenegrin, who calmly finished past Stolarczyk to spark wild celebrations in the Town End.

PNE dug deep in those last few minutes but, down the other end, Osmajic almost had another: once again, a seamless break from one box to another led to the striker bearing down on goal once more, on his own and surrounded by Foxes defenders, he went for power but was denied by Stolarczyk.

A first home win for Preston since March and the perfect way to kick things off on home soil for 2025/26, which will surely breed confidence for players, staff and fans alike.

Attendance: 16,797 (2,669) PNE starting XI: Iversen; Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Valentin (Offiah 72’), Whiteman, McCann, Small (Vukcevic 86’), Devine (Thordarson 72’), Smith, Osmajic. PNE unused subs: Walton, Lindsay, Carroll, Okkels, Ayodele.

PNE signed the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder last week on loan

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Alfie Devine and Thierry Small made their Preston North End debuts last weekend - and manager Paul Heckingbottom is excited by what’s to come.

The Lilywhites confirmed the loan signing of Devine just one day prior to the opening clash at Queens Park Rangers. He came off the bench with around 20 minutes left to play, replacing Small, who had been handed his full debut.

It’s the fourth loan spell of Devine’s career, with the England youth international having had a productive stint at Westerlo last year - following loans with Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle. PNE’s boss sees plenty of value in having the 21-year-old on board.

“Yeah, pleased,” said Heckingbottom “Obviously, someone I've known about; never worked with him. He was in Peter Murphy's youth team at Wigan, so Pete knew him. Local boy who lives not far away. It was his loan in Belgium where I really started to have a good look at him and could imagine him in the position for us. He played as a 10 a little bit more... he could play in any of the midfield positions as well, so that's good.

“You can see he's got quality. He wants to get on the ball and we're really pleased to have him. He's had a couple of 45 minutes’ but he's eager. We had a chat and I think within five minutes of me and him speaking, his agent called back saying, ‘Yeah, I want to go for Preston’, which straight away I'm like, ‘Let's get this done’. That's what I want, people who want to be here.

“I think you can see that when he comes on to the pitch he plays with the energy that we want. He wants to get on the ball. You don't get sold to Spurs at 16 and get first-team minutes if you're not a good footballer. We know he's a good footballer but more importantly, I think he's got a good attitude about him on the pitch. He's been about a bit getting first team minutes.

“He's been a deep line midfielder getting on the ball. He's got good technique. He's been a box-to-box player, played predominantly as as a ten. Last season he showed a lot of aggression against the ball and a good understanding, but I think you could see on the ball, he's comfortable. So, wherever I use him, he's really good and he's got the hunger and the drive, without the ball, to fit into what we want to do.”

Heckingbottom on Small

The former Charlton Athletic man got 75 minutes in the tank on his first Championship outing. Small’s arrival in June sparked plenty of excitement among the PNE faithful but Heckingbottom knows that patience will be needed with the wide man. Nonetheless, there’s lots of belief in Small from the manager and Heckingbottom has enjoyed their time working together to date.

“Yeah, you could see moments in him today,” said the PNE manager. “Definitely. I thought he looked a bit nervous, said that to him at half-time - just go and play. But he is a great character; you'll get to know him and I just want him to express himself on the pitch and he'll be fine.

“I know there was a buzz about when he came in and straight away I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, if he was that player everyone's saying he wouldn't be here!’. Do you know what I mean? But we see a lot in him... we love his personality, we love how he approaches training, games and we want to get more of those real top moments out of him.”

Your next PNE read: Fan gallery from QPR!

The Tottenham Hotspur man is in contention for tomorrow’s game at QPR

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Preston North End have confirmed the loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine.

The 21-year-old - who has had loan spells at Westerlo, Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale previously - goes straight into contention for Saturday’s opening day clash at QPR.

An option-to-buy has been inserted in the agreement, with the fee understood to be a sizable seven-figure sum. He has penned a new deal at Spurs before joining.

Devine is the 10th signing of the summer transfer window for PNE, and second loan recruit following the capture of AFC Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison.

He told iFollow PNE: “I’m buzzing. When this opportunity came about, I was excited when I first heard about it. I’m happy to be here and happy to get it done.

“I can’t wait to get going tomorrow. I like to make people excited. I like to get on the ball. I like to always be involved in it and get people off their seats.”

On his new No.21, manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “Alfie’s a talented player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking midfielder, he can play deep and he’s played box-to-box, so he’s got that flexibility which is great for us.

“I really liked his loan move in Belgium last year where he showed really good energy and appetite off the ball, which is what we demand. He showed his technique and quality in the final third to get goals and help assist others as well.”

The Spurs man has had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale

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Preston North End are close to completing a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, the Lancashire Post understands.

The Lilywhites have made nine signings in the transfer window so far but manager Paul Heckingbottom has stressed the need for attacking reinforcements. One of those was an attacking midfielder, with Devine’s arrival set to boost the manager’s options in the final third of the pitch.

Devine, who hails from Warrington, was snapped up by Spurs’ academy from Wigan five years ago. He had a loan spell in 2023/24 with Port Vale in League One, before heading to the Championship with Plymouth Argyle in the January. Last season saw Devine head to Belgian Pro League side Westerlo, for whom he scored six goals.

It’s believed an option-to-buy could be inserted in the agreement, but that the fee may make a permanent swoop challenging for PNE. Millwall and Wrexham are understood to have enquired about Devine over the course of the summer. He is under contract at Spurs until 2027, having made two appearances for the first team.

Devine has represented England at U16, U19 and U20 level. For Vale, the 21-year-old scored three goals and provided three assists in 26 outings. During his stint with Argyle, Devine failed to find the back of the net but set up two goals in 15 appearances. He turned out for Westerlo on 32 occasions last season.

PNE are looking to sign another striker in the transfer window

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Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom wants to add a ‘different type of goal scorer’ in the rest of the transfer window.

The Lilywhites completed a loan swoop for AFC Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison in June, and moved swiftly to bring in Michael Smith on a free transfer following his exit from Sheffield Wednesday.

But, with Will Keane’s future up in the air at Deepdale, Heckingbottom has been open about wanting another centre-forward. The challenge of looking for a permanent striker has been discussed by PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale.

Which, raises the question as to whether North End could take the loan route once again - having had success with the captures of Tom Cannon and Cameron Archer in previous Championship seasons.

There are just shy of five weeks left for clubs to wheel and deal, and the loan market naturally kicks in later as Premier League clubs conclude business of their own. Should Preston look to the top flight, it would be little surprise if one player stood out.

Tottenham Hotspur front man, Will Lankshear, spent the second half of last season at West Brom and has been involved with Spurs’ first team in pre-season. He made six appearances for Tottenham in 2024/25, having scored 18 PL2 goals in 2023/24.

Lankshear has been linked with a return to West Brom, who are now managed by ex-Spurs midfield Ryan Mason. However, should he become available, Heckingbottom also has a relationship which could boost Preston’s chances.

The striker came through the youth ranks at Sheffield United and joined Tottenham for a reported £2m in August 2022. While in the Blades academy, Lankshear played under the current PNE boss.

At the time of the sale, Heckingbottom said: "It's a good deal for lots of reasons. In terms of him as a player we really like him. We think he has a good gift to score goals and credit to Steve Holmes Jack Lester and all the academy staff last year for getting that player in.

"He was only let go from Arsenal 12 months ago so for us to get a deal, potentially, up and above £2.5m is fantastic business for a 17-year-old lad who could leave us next summer. We wish him well, we love the kid.”

Lankshear failed to find the net for the Baggies across four starts and seven substitute appearances, but was described as ‘highly rated’ during his stint. Prior to his exit, boss Tony Mowbray spoke positively about the striker’s talent.

He said: “Will is a young player with some lovely attributes. He wants to score. He scores lots of goals in training. He’s got a rocket in his right foot which we haven’t really seen on the pitch at first team level yet.

“But, at some stage he will whack one in and everyone will say ‘where did that come from?’ It’s amazing how powerful his right foot can be. He’s been here a few months, trained brilliantly. His attitude is the main thing I like. We all like Will. Let’s hope he can find the end product required. He needs to put some numbers next to his name now.”

The latest transfer headlines involving PNE’s Championship rivals.

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Planning and preparation is well underway behind the scenes at Deepdale as Paul Heckingbottom targets a ‘huge’ summer window.

After reports of a move for Daniel Iversen and Thierry Small, the Lilywhites have since been credited with interest in midfielder Ethan Erhahon.

North End are reportedly one of five Championship clubs tracking the Lincoln City talent ahead of a potential move in the forthcoming market,

Elsewhere, there is plenty of gossip and speculation doing the rounds across the second tier as anticipation grows ahead of the summer.

Here are all the latest transfer headlines involving PNE’s rivals.

Pompey in battle for Manneh

Portsmouth are one of five English sides tracking Mjallby AIF striker Abdoulie Manneh, according to The Mirror.

PNE’s Championship rivals are reportedly monitoring the 20-year-old along with Bournemouth, Brighton, Burnley and Wolves as interest grows in the Gambian international.

The versatile forward has enjoyed a successful start to the 2025 campaign in Sweden’s top flight, scoring seven goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.

His impressive form has seen scouts from a number of English sides keep tabs on his progress. Manneh already has two international caps under his belt and is believed to be valued at £4.25m.

Portsmouth are looking to progress in the Championship next season after securing a 16th-placed finish in their maiden season back in the second tier. PNE’s final league win of the campaign came at home to John Mousinho’s men on March 15.

Duo dual for Darling

Newley-promoted sides Birmingham City and Wrexham are plotting a move for Swansea City’s Harry Darling.

The centre-back is set to become a free agent this summer, although the Swans have tabled an offer to keep the defender in South Wales.

But according to Alan Nixon, the Championship duo are set to battle it out to sign the 26-year-old in the forthcoming transfer window.

Chris Davies’ side are reportedly planning on offering Darling a lucrative offer, while Wrexham are also believed to match their fee.

The former MK Dons ace has appeared 39 times for Alan Sheehan’s men this term and featured in August’s 3-1 triumph over the Lilywhites as well as the goalless stalemate at Deepdale in March.

West Brom want Donley

Managerless West Brom have lodged an enquiry to sign Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Jamie Donley.

Birmingham World have claimed the Baggies have contacted Spurs over the possibility of bringing the 20-year-old in on loan this summer after an outstanding campaign at Leyton Orient.

The Spurs youth product has excelled in his first temporary spell away from the north London outfit, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists in 39 matches this term.

His contributions have been key to the O’s success this term as they finished sixth in League One and crucially securing a play-off spot.

West Brom are still on the search for Tony Mowbray’s successor after sacking the 61-year-old last month. The Baggies and PNE played out a 1-1 draw at Deepdale in November before Heckingbottom’s men fell to a 3-1 defeat on New Year’s Day.

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Ex-PNE, Fulham and Spurs man on the search for a new club

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Preston North End’s arch-rivals Blackpool have released former Lilywhites midfielder Josh Onomah.

The 28-year-old joined the League One club in October 2024 after a trial period. He spent the entire 2023/24 season as a free agent, having been unable to sort fresh terms at PNE in the summer. Onomah, whom Stoke City had looked at, then reunited with ex-boss Steve Bruce at Bloomfield Road.

In total he made 18 appearances for the Seasiders, scoring one goal and assisting another. That is five more games than Onomah managed for North End. The Deepdale club brought him in on a short-term deal in January 2023, after the midfielder left Fulham.

Reflecting on his stint on the Fylde Coast, reporter Amos Wynn said: ‘Onomah’s time in Tangerine didn’t really get going. Clearly, his lengthy period without a club prior to joining Blackpool had taken its toll. The attacking midfielder never looked fit, and didn’t seem to have a natural place in Bruce’s team.

‘It was a risk worth taking to sign him on a free given his talent, but the gamble didn’t bring any rewards and now it’s rightly time to move on. His talent was there to see in some instances, including Shrewsbury away; unfortunately the sample size is far too small.’

Onomah is one of 12 players to be let go by Blackpool. Other notable names include Jordan Rhodes, Oliver Norburn, Jordan Gabriel and Richard O’Donnell. Also released is young defender Tyler Hill, who is the son of former PNE defender Matt.

Your next PNE read: Former Preston North End goalkeeper leaves club

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The PNE forward was linked with Liverpool and Man United a couple of years ago

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Preston North End have not received any approach or contact from another club regarding young striker Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile.

This week, transfer speculation emerged regarding potential interest from Premier League trio Ipswich Town, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest. But, it’s understood that nothing has developed on the transfer front - despite claims of the player impressing scouts.

Rodriguez-Gentile is only in the second year of his scholarship, having first grabbed the headlines back in December 2022 - when he scored five goals in the 6-1 FA Youth Cup rout of Rotherham United. Later that season, links to Liverpool and Manchester United surfaced.

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Just shy of one year later, he signed his first professional contract with PNE, until 2026. Last year, he also earned a call-up to the Argentina Under-17 squad for the first time. Rodriguez-Gentile was in and around the North End first team during pre-season.

But, since the arrival of Paul Heckingbottom as manager, he has tended to stay with the academy - while getting minutes under his belt for the reserve XI. North End recently knocked Liverpool out of the FA Youth Cup - 4-1 - and Rodriguez-Gentile grabbed a goal and assist on the night.

Preston North End host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup fourth round tonight

The draw for the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday night.

Following Sky Sports’ coverage of Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City, the draw will be hosted by Mark Chapman - then conducted by Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen. The two teams already in the hat, before Wednesday’s ties, are Southampton and Brentford.

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The Saints beat Stoke City 3-2 at St Mary’s, on Tuesday night, while the Bees triumphed on penalties against Sheffield Wednesday, at home. Brighton versus Liverpool gets under way at 19:30, while Spurs kick-off against Pep Guardiola’s side at 20:15.

All other ties start at 19:45, with Preston North End’s bumper clash with Arsenal available to watch on Sky Sports+. Aston Villa host Crystal Palace, Chelsea head to Newcastle United and it’s Manchester United against Leicester City, at Old Trafford. Quarter-Final ties will take place on the week commencing December 17.

Ball numbers for the quarter-final draw

Republic of Ireland forward spent the 2022/23 season on loan at PNE

One former Preston North End player had a Saturday to remember, over in the Netherlands.

Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar destroyed Heerenveen 9-1 at home, with ex-PNE loan man Troy Parrott scoring, not one, not two, not three, but four goals. The Republic of Ireland international left Tottenham Hotspur permanently in the summer, for a fee reportedly in the region of £6million. Parrott spent the 2023/24 campaign at Excelsior Rotterdam, on loan.

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And, a move back to the Netherlands materialised in July. Parrott did not score in the first four matches of the season, with three wins and one draw picked up. But, the 22-year-old got himself up and running at the AFAS Stadion last weekend. He fired AZ back into the lead in the first half, and had goals two, three and four, just 11 minutes after the restart. Parrott was serenaded by the fans post-match.

After the game, he told ESPN: “Obviously, for me as a striker, it's disappointing not to score in the previous games because I always want to score goals. But I don't stress over these things, it's normal, this is football you can't play every game perfect.

“I understand this and I believe in my own ability. I believe the team that we've got here is a really good team and we will create chances - and tonight that happened and I was there. I didn't know this, but it's a beautiful thing. To do this in front of all the fans here in our home stadium, it's a beautiful thing.”

In other news regarding former PNE loan forwards, Stephy Mavididi scored his first Premier League goal on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old had a ten game loan spell at Deepdale in 2017/18. He went on to play for Juventus, Dijon and Montpellier, before joining Leicester City in the summer of 2023.