Preston North End have agreed a deal to sign a former loan star on a permanent basis, according to reports from Football League World.
After weighing up moves for Burnley’s James Trafford, Blackburn Rovers’ Aynsley Pears, and League One Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle, Manchester United appear to have a deal in place for Preston’s Freddie Woodman.
Confirming their Championship status last weekend after a 2-2 draw away at Bristol City, preparations are now underway for the 2025-26 campaign, with a goalkeeper now Heckingbottom’s main priority.
Attention turned towards a return for former loan star Daniel Iversen, who now appears to be making a permanent return to Deepdale.
Daniel Iversen to return to Preston North End
Iversen starred for North End on loan three years ago, first joining in January 2021 where the shot-stopper made 23 appearances.
With the Dane’s performances catching the eye, the Lancashire club was keen to secure his services for the following season, where he started all but one of the club’s Championship fixtures.
The 27-year-old’s career has stalled since his return to Leicester City, making limited appearances for the Foxes and sent out on loan to Stoke City in the latter half of the 2023-24 season.
Yet to make an appearance in the Premier League for Leicester this season, the Leicester City man appears to be out of the plans at the King Power.
And with the keeper’s contract set to expire next month, the club where he enjoyed the most regular football of his career appear to have handed him a lifeline.
A move that makes sense for all involved
Set to join the club on a free transfer, Preston appear to have secured their Woodman replacement amid reports suggesting Woodman will join Manchester United.
With this news meaning that the number one spot will be available at Deepdale next season, it is a move that makes sense for both the player and the club.
Having made 71 appearances for the club in the past, regular football will be a focus of the Dane as he enters the prime years of his career.
Winning the club’s Player of the Season award following the 2021-22 campaign, Iversen will be returning to a club where he is greatly appreciated.
Previous reports stated that wages could have been a stumbling block for the club in securing their former hero, but the keeper appears to be set for a return to Lancashire with Heckingbottom’s preparations for next season already underway.