Michael Smith is said to be on the verge of signing for Preston North End, after previous reports incorrectly linked him with a move to Middlesbrough last week.
Smith is available on a free transfer after handing his notice in at Sheffield Wednesday over unpaid wages. One report last week credited Boro with interest in the Tyneside-born striker, but club sources quickly indicated they had no interest in the former Rotherham United man.
Instead, as Boro target other strikers and have held talks to sign Danny Ings on a free, Preston have moved to make Smith their seventh summer signing – albeit only one of which has been signed for a fee. The 33-year-old is said to have quickly agreed terms with the Lilywhites following his Owls exit, according to the Lancashire Post.
Meanwhile, according to talkSport, Josh Windass, who left Sheffield Wednesday for the same reason as Smith, is set to join Wrexham. The son of former Boro star Dean is said to be undergoing a medical on Monday to complete his move to the ambitious North Wales outfit after their promotion to the Championship.
Ipswich Town move for Michael Carrick’s former team-mate
Ipswich Town are set to land Ashley Young this summer, following his Everton exit. Now 40, Young has decided to play on next season and had been explored by former club Watford for a return to Vicarage Road. However, the Watford Observer said his wage demands proved beyond what the Hornets were willing to pay.
With parachute payments in their favour and potential sellable assets in the squad after relegation from the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are in a better financial position to be able to offer the full-back a deal at Portman Road.
Stoke City transfer blow
Stoke City look set to sugar a transfer blow as key man Wouter Burger is said to be on the verge of a move to Germany. According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, the Potters have accepted a bid of between just €4-5m for the former Netherlands under-21 international who made 45 appearances last season and was described as a ‘really important player’ by Mark Robins.
Hull exodus continues
Currently under a transfer embargo from the EFL that restricts them to signing free agents and loan players, Hull City are currently selling a number of the players. Defender Sean McLaughlin has joined Blackburn, while Boro remain in talks over a deal to sign Alfie Jones.
They’re now also close to selling star midfielder Steven Alzate to MLS side Atlanta United. Alzate had attracted interest from Sheffield United, Valencia and Getafe this summer, but it appears to be Stateside where he’s now heading.
