Preston North End latest: Blackburn Rovers battle, Alan Browne admission, Harrison Burrows update | OneFootball

There have been updates on a couple of players that the Lilywhites have been linked with - and former captain Browne has made a frank admission.

Preston North End have had a lot of stability under Ryan Lowe in recent years.

That stability was there even before his arrival, with the Lilywhites' hierarchy running the club well.

However, fans will want to see the club take the next step in the coming years, and they can do that by fighting for promotion.

They have a talented manager at their disposal, but they have lost key man Alan Browne to Sunderland, and that is a major blow for them.

Not only have they lost one of their most integral players, but they have also lost him to a league rival, which isn't ideal.

However, they have a decent-sized squad at their disposal and have recruited Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood this summer.

As well as this, the current transfer window is still open for several more weeks.

With plenty of news stories (both transfer and non-transfer related) breaking across the EFL, we take a look at the latest headlines involving the Lancashire side.

Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers have submitted an enquiry for Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, according to Darren Witcoop.

Gilchrist appeared for the Blues during the latter stages of the season and featured at full-back, even though his natural position is at centre-back.

Rovers are thought to be keen on taking the player on loan, but they aren't alone in the race, with the Lilywhites also being linked with a move for the defender.

Leeds United and Italian outfit Como are two other teams that have reportedly taken an interest in him, but it's unclear who will end up winning the race for his signature.

With Greg Cunningham leaving on the expiration of his contract and Calvin Ramsay's loan spell failing to work out last term, Preston could benefit from having extra options in defence and Gilchrist could be one of those.

Many of their former loan players have been a success at Deepdale before, including Cameron Archer and Tom Cannon, which could give them an advantage in this race.

Alan Browne on why he joined Sunderland

Many people won't view Alan Browne's move to Sunderland as a step up and with this in mind, some Preston fans may be questioning why the Irishman has made the move to the Stadium of Light.

Explaining why he made this switch, Browne told the Black Cats' media team (quotes transcribed by the Lancashire Evening Post): "So I met the sporting director first. He was just telling me about the values and history of the club, what they are ultimately trying to achieve and why they are bringing me here.

"That obviously was something I wanted to be a part of, and then I spoke to the manager afterwards. He shared ideas with me of how he likes to play and approach games - his different styles and tactics.

"He spoke through all that and it was something I believe in myself, the way he wants to play. It’s just something I am just looking forward to starting now."

In the interview, the midfielder also revealed that he had spoken to former Black Cats and Preston boss Alex Neil before making the switch to Wearside.

Peterborough United's Harrison Burrows is another player that Preston have been linked with, with the Lilywhites having an offer rejected, according to Alan Nixon.

That's no surprise, with the left wing-back proving to be an incredible asset in the final third during the 2023/24 campaign.

He could make a good impact at Deepdale as well, but they have company in this potential race for the player, with Sheffield United seemingly potentially still in the mix for him.

Journalist Witcoop has now reported that Birmingham City have taken an interest in the 22-year-old, but it's unclear whether they will step up their interest in the coming weeks.

With Alex Cochrane looking set to join Blues though, it looks unlikely Burrows will make the move to St Andrew's unless he plays higher up the pitch.