Preston North End player tipped to be subject of "big" transfer bid as part of summer Deepdale rebuild | OneFootball

FLW's Preston North End fan pundit has made two summer transfer window predictions for the club

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Preston North End have gone through a somewhat transitional season under Paul Heckingbottom, and it looks likely to be another finish in mid-table for the Lilywhites.

Ex-Sheffield United boss Heckingbottom took charge in August after the campaign had already gotten underway, due to Ryan Lowe walking out of Deepdale after just one match of the season.

Heckingbottom hasn't made too many changes to Lowe's squad since his arrival, but this coming summer could be quite important for PNE's long-term prospects, with the upcoming transfer window being a chance for the 47-year-old to put his stamp on the team.

But it will also likely be quite busy due to potential departures, with a number of players heading for the exit door due to expiring contracts.

Preston North End transfer prediction made - rebuild set to happen & Mads Frojkaer interest

When asked for two predictions about the club’s summer business, FLW’s Preston fan pundit Darren Watson claimed it will be a rebuilding year.

He expects a lot of departures due to these deals winding down, and he is excited by what Heckingbottom and his recruitment staff put together.

“Expect to see a big rebuild this summer with the players, obviously we’ve got a lot of players who are up on the end of contracts and are going to depart,” Watson told Football League World.

“I think it’s going to be a massive summer rebuild under Paul Heckingbottom.

“We’re going to see a lot of new players and a lot of fresh faces in the door at North End, and it’s going to be really, really exciting to see the talent and quality that Heckingbottom and team brings in.”

For his second prediction, Watson suggested that a big offer will be received for Mads Frøkjær following his strong performances this season.

The Danish attacking midfielder may only have five goal contributions to his name this season in Championship action, but the maverick Scandinavian ranks well among his divisional peers for chance creation, as well as the defensive side of the game too.

“Second prediction, I honestly think we’re going to receive a big, big summer bid for Mads Frøkjær,” Darren added.

“He’s one of our best players at the club, by far, and I think there’s going to be a lot of interest in him.

“I think it’s going to be one of the top Championship teams that are pushing for promotion or teams that don’t get Premier League or fails to get promotion through the play-offs.

“But I think we will get a big bid for Mads Frøkjær, I think that will be one thing I predict for my team to see.

“I think that will be the case because he is a top quality player, I think all eyes will be on him, and see how much they can entice us for at the end of the season.”

Preston North End could be all-changed by the time the 2025-26 season comes around - perhaps it's needed

Holding onto Frøkjær will be a challenge for Preston if a big offer does come in for him in the summer, although perhaps his minimal goal contributions this season will see the Lancashire outfit hold onto him.

Heckingbottom will be hoping that is the case as he looks to build a team capable of competing further up the Championship table.

Players like Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Robbie Brady and Ryan Ledson are among the names set to leave already due to expiring contracts if no new deals are signed, although you wouldn't bet on someone like a Brady or Ledson getting a year's extension to be a squad player.

A lot of North End's current squad have been long-serving though - the aforementioned Ledson joined in 2018 from Oxford United, which was the same year defenders Jordan Storey and Andrew Hughes arrived.

Brad Potts has been at PNE for over six years, Patrick Bauer will likely depart before he reaches his full six-year anniversary, whilst Emil Riis is another who is likely going to depart in the summer for nothing, with it being four-and-a-half years since he arrived from Randers.

Heckingbottom should have money in both transfer and wage budgets to shape the squad how he sees fit come the summer months, and given PNE have been languishing in mid-table for a number of years now, perhaps it's one that will be much-needed.