Preston North End midfielder Ben Whiteman confirms conversations have taken place over his contract situation, but the matter isn’t playing on his mind.
Preston recruited Whiteman in the winter of 2021, bringing him in after a starring spell at Doncaster Rovers. He’s gone from strength to strength at Deepdale, chipping in with a total of nine goals and eight assists in 117 outings.
His long-term future with the Lilywhites has been speculated about though. The 27-year-old has had interest before and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, questions have been asked if a move away could be on the horizon.
Given just how influential the ex-Sheffield United ace is though, the hope is that a new deal can be agreed. Now, Whiteman has opened up on his situation at Preston.
As quoted by the Lancashire Evening Post, Whiteman confirmed ‘a few conversations’ have taken place over his deal at North End. For now though, it isn’t playing on his mind. Here’s what he had to say:
“I wouldn’t say it’s on my mind.
“There has sort of been a few conversations and we will see where we’re at. Yeah, obviously open – we are having a few conversations with the club and Peter [Ridsdale] and we will see where that takes us. So yeah, we’ll wait and see.”
Admiring glances
You have to think that the longer Whiteman’s Preston contract situation goes unresolved, the stronger interest in his services will grow. He’s proven himself as a top Championship performer and admirers will start to eye up a cut-price deal if he isn’t tied down to a new deal.
Clubs will either be looking to strike a cheaper deal in January or bide their time and make a free transfer swoop next summer if a contract goes unsigned. Or, clubs outside of England can look at a pre-contract move at the turn of the year.
Whiteman sees relaxed on the matter for now but it will be hoped a resolution isn’t too far away. Until then, the midfielder will be focused on helping Ryan Lowe’s side back to form amid a run of seven league games without a win, dropping them to 8th in the table.
