Preston North End have completed a deal to sign highly-rated midfielder Tom Bayliss from League One side Coventry City, fending off interest from a number of Championship sides for the youngster’s signature.
Over the course of the summer transfer window, a host of Championship sides were linked with moves for Coventry City’s highly-rated midfielder Tom Bayliss. The likes of Leeds United, West Brom and Middlesbrough were all credited with interest, while Derby County and Huddersfield Town reportedly made enquiries about Bayliss’ availability.
However, it is Preston North End who have won the race for Bayliss, bringing him in on the day the Championship season begins.
The 20-year-old has made the move to Deepdale for an undisclosed fee, putting pen to paper on a four year deal with the club. The move sees him leave Coventry City for the first time in his career, with his entire career up until now being spent with the Sky Blues.
Speaking upon the confirmation of the transfer, Bayliss said:
“As soon as I heard about the interest I couldn’t wait to get here and get the deal done and meet the gaffer and I can’t wait to get started now.
“The sheer size of the stadium as we pulled on to the car park, it’s massive. It’s a massive club and I just can’t wait to show what I can do now. The gaffer knows what qualities I’ve got and he thinks he can home in on those skills and make me a better player and be able to play week in, week out at this level.”
Bayliss broke into the Coventry City first team during the 2017/18 season, as manager Mark Robins guided the Sky Blues to promotion to League One. The youngster made 32 appearances, scoring six and assisting four in an impressive debut campaign. He went on to feature regularly for the club in the 2018/19 season as well, playing 41 times in all competitions, scoring three and assisting three.
