Preston North End have cooled their interest in Dijon attacker Bersant Celina, according to a report from TWTD.

The Kosovan spent last season out on loan at Ipswich Town, recording six goals and six assists in the third tier as he stood out for the Tractor Boys at times during the 2021/22 campaign.

He settled in well despite the fact he was one of 19 summer signings at Portman Road last term, with the 29-cap international potentially disappointed not to have been able to guide his side back to the second tier.

However, he could take the step up regardless with TWTD believing that Stoke City are currently leading the race for the 25-year-old, though Ipswich remain interested in striking a third agreement for his services after previously taking him on loan twice.

Those sides may need to move quickly to try and get a deal over the line though, with Turkish top-tier outfit Kasimpasa reportedly going as far as launching a formal offer for his services.

His contract at his current side doesn't expire until 2024 but with the French outfit failing to get back to the top tier at the first time of asking, they could potentially be open to a sale to fund other transfers.

One side that probably won't be at the front of the queue to sign him though is Preston, who previously held an interest but have now turned their attention away from the 25-year-old.

The Verdict:

He could have been an excellent addition at Deepdale as someone who could have come in and helped to fill the void that Cameron Archer has left following his return to Villa Park.

Celina may not be as prolific as Archer - but the Kosovan and another attacker could have helped to plug that gap and this is the reason why they were wise to keep tabs on him.

However, they probably won't want to pay over the odds to land him and this is why they are well served taking a look at other targets if they believe this agreement won't provide value for money.

A loan deal could potentially be in the pipeline - but Dijon could prefer a permanent agreement to generate some revenue and this could have harmed the Lilywhites' chances of signing him.

With two years still left on his existing deal, the French side have the right to hold out for a reasonably high bid for him and with Preston not exactly spending big in recent years, it would be difficult to see them changing their strategy now.