Preston reportedly want Graham Burke as McGrath suggests Villa should scout him

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Preston North End are reportedly keen on ex-Aston Villa youngster Graham Burke.

According to The Irish Sun, Preston North End scouted Shamrock Rovers playmaker Graham Burke as the Republic of Ireland took on the United States on Saturday night.

Martin O’Neill’s men had been beaten 2-0 by France in Paris on Monday, but then returned to Ireland on Saturday to face Dave Sarachan’s United States side.

Bobby Wood had put the US in front, but Graham Burke equalised from close range before Alan Judge grabbed a last-minute winner for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

It was a dream first start for Burke, whose career has progressed hugely since leaving English football to return to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers last yea.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder was on the books of Aston Villa before a fairly uneventful spell with Notts County, but he has become one of the top stars in the League of Ireland over the last year.

Burke has hit 19 goals in 43 games for Shamrock Rovers, earning himself international recognition, and that now appears to be sparking transfer interest.

The Irish Sun claim that Preston North End – frequent shoppers in Ireland having snapped up Andy Boyle, Kevin O’Connor, Alan Browne, Daryl Horgan and Sean Maguire from League of Ireland clubs in recent years – scouted Burke on Saturday.

Advisor Peter Ridsdale was allegedly in the stands to watch Burke ahead of a possible £200,000 bid, but one ex-Villa and Ireland legend suggested that his former club should be keeping tabs on him too.

Paul McGrath took to Instagram to post a photo of Burke celebrating his goal, stating that he hopes Villa were scouting the game as Ireland have ‘serious talent’ with Burke – but he could be turning out against Villa for Preston next season if a move does materialise this summer.