Carlos Corberan’s West Bromwich Albion are reportedly readying a new bid for Preston North End striker, Will Keane.
West Brom are looking to provide competition for Josh Maja, who has been prolific for the Baggies so far.
Preston’s new boss admitted they’d received a bid for Keane
Preston North End recently appointed former Sheffield United manager, Paul Heckingbottom, after the Lilywhites parted ways with Ryan Lowe just a game into the 2024/25 season.
Heckingbottom achieved a dream start to life at Deepdale, beating Luton Town 1-0 courtesy of a 39th-minute strike from Will Keane, who was subject of a bid from West Brom before the game, according to the Lancashire Post.
The report claimed that the Baggies bid was low however with Preston wasting no time in rejecting the bid for the man who clinched the club’s top scorer award last season with thirteen goals.
Paul Heckingbottom even acknowledged the bid after his first win in charge, explaining:
“Yeah, there was an offer for him definitely. It’s an easier answer for me, to Peter [Risdale] and Will. When I have just walked through the door, you are not selling the best players. And, listen, I think the good thing and message I’ve got – which is one thing I have not said is attractive about the job – is that on decisions like that, the club have traditionally been very strong: no need to sell”.
West Brom are lining up a second approach
Carlos Corberan’s side aren’t willing to give up in their pursuit of Will Keane without a fight, according to Football Insider who state that the Baggies are preparing a second bid for the 31-year-old.
The report details that West Brom are set to offer Preston North End an improved offer of £500,000 for Will Keane’s services with the summer transfer deadline of August 30th now looming.
Keane, whose deal with Preston North End expires next summer, could go some way to compensating for the Baggies’ loss of star forward, Brandon Thomas-Asante, who left for Coventry City earlier in the window.
Keane’s career has been a late bloomer
The Ireland-capped striker was once on the books of Manchester United but failed to ever make a lasting impact at Old Trafford, making just three senior appearances before leaving the club for Hull City in 2016.
It wasn’t until the age of 28 that Keane truly found his shooting boots, netting an outstanding twenty-six league goals in a season for Wigan Athletic in 2021/22.
Keane’s record for the Latics earned him a move to the Championship with Preston North End, a club which the striker had been at previously on loan whilst a Manchester United player.
Thirteen Championship goals in his first season back at Deepdale secured Will Keane the club’s top scorer award and potentially a move to West Brom following recent reports of a second, improved bid.