New Preston North End signing Anthony Gordon has explained why he turned down interest from elsewhere in order to sign for the Lilywhites on Deadline Day, with the winger making the comments during a recent interview with the club's official website. 

The bright Everton prospect has arrived at Deepdale on loan until the end of the current season and will be seeking to make an impact by playing regularly in the Championship over the next few months after rising through the ranks with his parent club.

Teams such as Blackburn Rovers were reported to have been interested in signing the teenager, however the versatile youngster eventually opted for a move to join up with Alex Neil's side for the rest of the current campaign.

Speaking to the club's website earlier this week, Gordon explained that his new manager played a big role in convincing him that a move to the club was the best next step in his development pathway:

“I had a conversation with [Alex Neil] and it was a really good conversation. He was really honest with me; he told me what he thought of me as a player and I really enjoyed it.

Quiz: Did each of these 18 ex-Preston North End players ever score a goal at Deepdale?

“That’s what I pride myself on, that’s what I love to be relied on for, and I think if I can do that, we can really push on.”

Having made his debut for the first team back in the 2017/18 season, Gordon currently has four years remaining on his contract with Everton after signing a new deal in September last year.

The Verdict 

These comments from Gordon really shows the pulling power that Preston possess under Neil's guidance and as such many will be looking forward to seeing how the winger gets on at Deepdale.

The club have done well to bring fresh bodies in through the door after losing some key players this week and will be hopeful of moving up the standings.

Beating off other suitors for the player's services should be viewed as a positive and shows that there is mutual trust between Premier League clubs and North End.

This signing has the potential to add that extra edge of creativity that the club have been lacking for much of the season so far.