Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe has confirmed his interest in bringing ‘fantastic’ Callum Robinson back to the Championship outfit from West Bromwich Albion, speaking to Lancs Live.
Earlier this month, the Express and Star put forward a couple of players who found themselves facing an uncertain future under Steve Bruce.
And while few would have been surprised to see forgotten men Kenneth Zohore and Cedric Kipre appear on the list, news of Robinson’s potential departure may have raised an eyebrow or two.
Only Karlan Grant scored more than his seven Championship goals in 2021/22 after all. But with Steve Bruce under pressure to free up spaces in his squad for further additions – having already snapped up two of the EFL’s most talented creators in Jed Wallace and John ‘The Hampshire Modric’ Swift – Robinson appears to have taken on the role of something of a sacrificial lamb, given up to appease the FFP gods.
The Baggies’ number seven remains a fans’ favourite at Deepdale following a couple of excellent years in Preston colours. And, unsurprisingly, Robinson’s availability has not gone unnoticed in this corner of Lancashire.
Will West Brom let Callum Robinson go back to Preston?
“I’m not interested in Callum Robinson because of what he’s done for the football club (in the past). I’m interested in Callum Robinson because he’s a good footballer, ultimately,” explains Lowe.
“It’s tough; I don’t want to disrespect Steve Bruce, and West Brom as a club.
“What I don’t want to do is talk about their player. So I have to be respectful of it in that way. If you name any other players we’ve been linked with, I’d say ;’Yeah of course you’d be interested in them because they are good footballers’.
“Callum Robinson, if he becomes available, who wouldn’t look at Callum Robinson? He is a fantastic player and PNE fans love him. So why wouldn’t anyone be interested in him? If he became available, of course we’d be interested in him, like everyone else would be.”
Robinson has been utilised in an unfamiliar midfield role during pre-season. Something that admittedly has more to do with the lack of options at Bruce’s disposal and less to do with the Irishman’s tactical flexibility.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
