“A replacement for Ben Sheaf?” – Pundit urges Coventry City to sign Preston North End man

It’s unclear if Alan Browne has played his final game for the Lilywhites after more than a decade as a Preston North End player.

When Browne’s contract at Deepdale expires this summer, he will have had interest from other teams. According to Alan Nixon, Championship teams Coventry City and Sheffield United are interested in signing the 29-year-old. Browne joined the Lancashire team in January 2014 after leaving Cork City as a teenager.

In April, there was talk of a buyout proposal for Preston North End including two investment firms.

Ryan Lowe, the manager, recently disclosed that Browne had received the largest deal in the club’s history to stay, despite Nixon’s report claiming that PNE’s offer to Browne is now greater than the terms made by the other interested teams.

But with Luton, Fulham, and Ipswich Town showing interest in Coventry City’s Ben Sheaf, the Sky Blues may be searching for a successor this summer. Browne would be the ideal choice, especially because there wouldn’t be a transfer fee to pay.

Carlton Palmer urges Coventry City to secure Alan Browne’s signature

With Ben Sheaf’s contract scheduled to end in 2026, former England star and current pundit Carlton Palmer feels Coventry will need to make a choice soon, which might lead to Browne moving to the CBS Arena.

Palmer stated, “Coventry City and Sheffield United are two clubs that are keeping an eye on Preston North End star Alan Browne,” in an interview with Football League World.

“Alan Browne is a highly skilled midfield midfielder who can play anywhere in the middle of the park. However, Preston is eager to hold onto the player and reportedly made him an incredible contract offer that neither Sheffield United nor Coventry City can now match.

“He can depart on a free agent after the season, but the seasoned 29-year-old midfielder is reportedly getting closer to signing a contract with Preston.”

Palmer, though, thinks Browne’s future at Deepdale may depend on what transpires at Coventry City with Ben Sheaf.

“Could he be Ben Sheaf’s replacement?” he continued. One of the best Championship players is Ben Sheaf. Coventry will have to move on because his contract expires in 2026 and he won’t want to let it lapse.

“Mark Robins will be aware of this, and instead of letting Ben Sheaf finish out his deal, they will let him go this summer if he doesn’t sign a contract.

Naturally, Coventry would want to keep Ben Sheaf, but Alan Browne would improve the midfield for Coventry City the following year.

“Mark Robins doesn’t have to start from zero or sell any players, but he will be seeking to add players to the team. Alan Browne from Preston would be a really fantastic addition.”

Losing Alan Browne would be a huge blow for Preston North End

It seems inevitable that Preston North End would suffer a great deal if Alan Browne were to leave.

It would be very difficult for the Lilywhites supporters to lose their prominent captain, especially to a rival Championship club, as the 29-year-old has been with the team for more than ten years and has made 414 appearances.

In addition to being a fantastic leader for Preston, Browne’s endurance and consistency have shown to be extremely significant. The Irishman has participated in at least 32 games in each of his three seasons with the club, solidifying his place as a squad mainstay.

Considering all of this, it’s understandable why Preston is pleased to offer him the largest salary of any player in the club’s history. Browne now has the freedom to choose whether or not to stay.

At just 29, Alan Browne still has plenty of time left to add to his 414 appearances and cement his reputation as a club hero. Keeping Browne at Deepdale would be a big boost to everyone at Preston.

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