Doncaster Rovers midfielder Ben Whiteman is highly sought after in this transfer window, and Championship side Preston North End are leading the way to sign him, according to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal.
As well as North End, Whiteman has been linked with Queens Park Rangers, while Barnsley have also looked at signing him in the past.
Preston Leading Way to Sign Ben Whiteman
In Need of Reinforcements
Preston could have as many as five first-team players out of contract in the summer, so are keen to get their replacements in early. If they do land the signing of Whiteman, it would likely mean the departure of Ben Pearson, who has most recently been linked with a move to Celtic.
Twenty-four-year-old Whiteman has made over 150 appearances in League One for Doncaster since signing from Sheffield United in 2017. He also spent time in the Manchester United academy as a youth player.
It is thought that Watford, who were relegated from the Premier League, have also held initial discussions with Whiteman over a move, but the player is keen to stay in the north of England rather than relocate south.
Whiteman’s Season So Far
Whiteman has been a fixture in the Doncaster side so far this season, helping them to sit fourth in the table.
He has played 90 minutes in all but one of Rovers’ games – the exception being a Papa John’s Trophy tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers U21’s.
The midfielder also has a decent goalscoring record, finding the back of the net eight times in this campaign, including braces against Ipswich Town in the league and Carlisle United in the FA Cup. He has also provided three assists.
Whiteman would likely command a big fee, but if Preston do sell Pearson in order to fund the move, they will have a like-for-like replacement.
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