Brown on Treacy and Newcastle Enter Race!

Preston gaffer, Phil Brown has been talking about the interest shown in his winger, Keith Treacy. Brown has confirmed that four clubs have contacted him about the 22 year old former Blackburn Rovers wideman and Republic of Ireland international but has also stated that no firm bids have been tabled.

Premier League club Newcastle are understood to have entered the race to sign Preston winger, Keith Treacy along with Championship clubs Burnley, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest.

This would appear to be speculation in the media though and Brown has not specified the four clubs involved. It has been confirmed previously though that Burnley made a casual enquiry about the player before stepping up their interest.

Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post about the Treacy situation, Brown said:

'Keith is a player who will eventually play Premier League football.

'Hopefully that will be in a Preston North End shirt.

'I know that having had conversations with Keith, he is indebted to this club for giving him his chance. That wasn't under my guidance, it was under someone else's guidance.

'When I arrived at the club, I quickly recognised what Keith Treacy is - he is a quality player.

'There's been no firm offers for him. But I have had interest from four clubs - one of them a Premier League club, the other three being in the Championship.

'With that in mind, if we can manage to keep hold of Keith and our other better players, for me it is a firm indication from Preston North End that we mean business next season.

'But I also understand that finances can dictate things. If someone comes in and bids a ridiculous amount of money for Keith, the other side of the equation follows.'

Pretson of course will be struggling financially following their demotion to League 1 at the end of last season so whether they will have no alternative to accept attractive offers for the player remains to be seen.

Treacy himself would also relish a move to a higher league and of course if the Toons interest is confirmed, Burnley and the other Championship clubs may have no option but to accept defeat against their Premier League rivals for his signature.

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