Alan Browne set for summer exit from Preston despite offer of lucrative new deal

Preston are prepared for a summer exit for Ireland midfielder Alan Browne even though they have offered him what the club say is the most lucrative contract in the club’s history.

Preston played their last home game of a disappointing season on Monday night, a 3-0 loss to a Leicester City side who sealed the Championship title and as Browne conducted a lap of honour in front of the home fans with teammates, those supporters wondered if they would see him in a white shirt again next term.

Browne has been at the club for 10 years since his move from the Cork City academy and has only ever played for Preston with over 400 appearances.

But at 29 he’s at a stage in his career where his next contract will be a life-changing one, with likely interest from clubs in England and abroad in the summer in Browne, who came close to a move to Italy in the January window as Salernitana made a bid which fell through.

“I would love to know, wouldn’t I? I am the manager of the football club. I need to know if I am with him or without him, or whether I can use his money or not. I am the same as everyone else,” manager Ryan Lowe said when asked if Browne would be a Preston player next term.

“Unfortunately, these are the questions for Alan Browne, not me. But, I am sure, at some point, he’s got a deadline and once that comes we’ll hopefully know.

“What I will say is that Browney has been offered a contract that, in the club’s history, is the best you can offer anyone. I can say that on record. We have to respect Alan’s decision, whatever that may be.

“They will have a couple of recovery days and we’ll sit down with Al again. I am sure you will know soon. Everyone knows what a great player he’s been for the club and we want that to continue, but it’s in Alan’s hands.”

Compatriot Greg Cunningham (33) is also out of contract with Preston and faces an uncertain future, having started just seven games.

Current and former internationals Scott Hogan (Birmingham), Enda Stevens (Stoke), John Egan (Sheffield United), Darren Randolph (Bournemouth), Séamus Coleman (Everton), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United) and James McClean (Wrexham) are also out of contract this summer while Seani Maguire (Carlisle), Alex Pearce (Wimbledon) and Richard Keogh (Forest Green Rovers) have been released.

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