Football League World
·23 January 2023
Football League World
·23 January 2023
Preston North End have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Barnsley defender Jordan Williams as the 23-year-old has had his stay at Oakwell extended by the League One outfit.
As confirmed by Barnsley’s official website, the club have triggered a clause in Williams’ deal which will see him remain at Oakwell until 2024.
The defender’s deal was set to reach a crescendo following the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Reds have also opted to extend the contracts of Mads Andersen and Brad Collins.
Preston emerged as a suitor for Williams earlier this month.
A Patreon report from Alan Nixon suggested that the Lilywhites were keeping tabs on Williams’ situation at Barnsley ahead of a potential swoop.
However, with Barnsley taking up the option in the right-back’s contract, it is looking extremely unlikely that Preston will be signing him in the coming days.
Following the Reds’ relegation to League One last year, Williams has been utilised on a regular basis by head coach Michael Duff.
As well as making 22 appearances for Barnsley in the third-tier, the defender has also represented the club in the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Having scored his third goal of the season in the club’s triumph over Accrington Stanley last weekend, Williams is expected to feature for the Reds in their clash with Exeter City tomorrow evening.
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The Verdict
Whereas it is important to note that Preston could still table an offer for Williams before the window shuts, Barnsley will be in no rush to sell the defender having opted to extend his stay for another year.
Therefore, unless the Lilywhites decide to test their resolve by submitting a major bid, he is likely to stay with the Reds for the remainder of the campaign.
Preston have already bolstered their squad this month by securing the services of Liam Delap and Tom Cannon while Ched Evans recently signed a contract extension at Deepdale.
Given that his side are just two points adrift of the play-off places in the Championship, Preston boss Ryan Lowe will be confident that the players that he currently has at his disposal will be able to maintain a push for a top-six over the course of the coming months.