Alfie Devine is reportedly expected to join Preston North End permanently.
The midfielder was reportedly on Celtic’s shortlist, with Martin O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham even visiting Deepdale in a possible scouting visit.
His successful loan at the Lancashire club put them in pole position to sign him permanently from Tottenham, though he wasn’t short of interest.
However, he looks to be a name that Celtic can write off, with the loan reportedly set to be made permanent.
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Alfie Devine expected to join Preston permanently after Tottenham
According to Alan Nixon, Devine is expected to join Preston permanently after his successful spell on loan at the Championship side.
He managed eight goals and eight assists from midfield this season.
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Preston activated their option to buy Devine for £5 million last week, though they were expected to be made to wait on personal terms.
He has been seen as an exciting talent for a number of years, catching the eye of Ange Postecoglou at Spurs as a teenager.
Devine is Spurs’ youngest-ever player and goalscorer, achieving both at the age of 16 in an FA Cup tie against Marine in 2021.
He has proven a success story of the club’s policy of loaning players out, excelling in spells at Leyton Orient and KVC Westerlo prior to his time at Preston.
He is about to enter the final year of his contract with Spurs, so could’ve become a real opportunity for value given how highly-rated he is.
Devine could’ve been a handy signing for the Parkhead midfield, especially given the extent of change expected in that position this summer.
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Midfielders expected to leave Celtic this summer
After serious interest in January, Arne Engels is now expected to leave Celtic, with a host of European clubs chasing the 22-year-old.
Reo Hatate was left out of the matchday squad for the final two games of the season, with the writing seemingly on the wall regarding his future. Paulo Bernardo is also completely out of favour.
A stellar debut season by Benjamin Nygren is also generating interest, and a rapid exit hasn’t been ruled out for the Hoops’ top scorer.
Even captain Callum McGregor hasn’t ruled out an exit, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract is now up.
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