On Thursday morning it was reported that Peterborough United had agreed a fee with a Championship club for the transfer of one of their first choice defenders. 

Left-back Andrew Hughes is set for a medical at Deepdale ahead of a move to Preston North End this summer.

Hughes has been a nailed on starter for the Posh over the last few seasons, racking up 56 appearances in all competitions last season alone.

Obviously, every player in the third tier of football will have their price. But for Peterborough United to sell one of their best and most consistent players is very risky.

The problem 

Last season was a struggle for the Posh. Too many players failed to do their jobs far too often, leading to a rapid slide out of the playoff race in the final few weeks.

As a result manager Steve Evans is leading a huge overhaul of his squad and 13 players were transfer listed in May.

Hughes was not on this list. In fact, when Evans took over he dubbed the 26-year-old the best left-back in the league. So why on earth are they about to sell him?

The Posh have already brought in eight players since the end of the season. They already have a huge job in terms of building a squad that will be ready for the next campaign, so why make it harder for themselves?

With the large windfall that the inevitable sale of Jack Marriott will bring the club are hardly in a position where they need to sell.

Lack of replacements

Quality full-backs are hard enough to come by in world football, let alone in League One.

When you have someone in that position who is a solid, reliable defender, as well as a presence in attack you should be holding onto him.

It is a position they are already threadbare in. Last season Hughes was the only out and out left-back at the club for most of the season, with Lewis Freestone out on loan.

Colin Daniel had been brought to the club as back-up to Hughes after being released by Blackpool, but fans would be very surprised and probably disappointed if he was to be promoted to a starter.

If Steve Evans and Peterborough United are serious about winning promotion this season then players like Hughes must be retained.