Preston North End fail with bid for League One star

01/28/2025 09:20 AM

Preston North End have seen a bid rejected for Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle, according to a report from Football Insider.

Preston North End are looking forward to a stronger 2025 after being led up the table by Paul Heckingbottom. He was named as the new PNE boss back in August after Ryan Lowe’s departure.

The winter transfer window has presented an opportunity to bolster the ranks, allowing Heckingbottom to make his mark on proceedings at Deepdale. There’s still scope for more new signings though, and new names continue to be linked.

Now, news of a failed bid for Wigan Athletic star Sam Tickle has emerged.

According to Football Insider, Preston North End have had an offer rejected for the Latics goalkeeper, who has become a standout in League One over the past couple of years.

There looks to be a desire to strengthen the goalkeeper ranks at Deepdale and with Freddie Woodman in the last six months of his contract, Tickle looks to have been identified as an option. However, PNE will have to up their offer if they’re to tempt Wigan into a sale.

It is not known how big the bid was, but 22-year-old Tickle is under contract until 2028 and held in very high regard, so a deal would not be cheap. 

A League One standout

Preston North End target Tickle broke into the Wigan Athletic team upon their drop to League One. He debuted in the Championship, but it was after relegation where he really displayed just how good he is.

The England U21 international has kept 13 clean sheets in 30 games this season, taking him to 32 clean sheets in 84 outings for the club.

He’s been a mainstay for the Latics and many feel he’s destined for a future at the top. A stop at the Championship may await along the way though, with PNE keen on taking him there.

Current ‘keeper options

As touched on before, Preston have Woodman as their current number one but there are questions over his future and whether he will be the starting ‘keeper for the long-term.

As such, it would be expected that another goalkeeper is recruited.

Heckingbottom’s backup is David Cornell while James Pradic is a young option on the books. An exit for Woodman would pave the way for a new ‘keeper to come in, but the right shot-stopper could feasibly usurp him and take his spot on the side before his contract expires too.

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