Preston North End could have a fight on their hands to keep hold of one of their talented youngsters.Preston North End midfielder Theo Mawene is the subject of transfer speculation with two Premier League clubs considering a move this month.
The Sun reporter Alan Nixon is reporting on his Patreon that Mawene is being monitored by both Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion. The two clubs are set to send scouts to PNE’s FA Youth Cup match against Manchester United on January 17.
Mawene scored a sublime goal as they knocked out Liverpool 4-1 in the third round. To date he’s made one senior appearance for the first-team – coming off the bench against Leicester City towards the end of last season.
He was a part of pre-season preparations with the first-team and played against Lincoln City, Fiorentina and Everton. Mawene was named as a substitute on the opening day of the season against Sheffield United but was not called upon.
Since the change of manager from Lowe to Paul Heckingbottom, he has not been named in a match day squad for the senior team. Theo comes from a footballing family with a strong link to PNE. He is the younger brother of Noah, who is two-years older than him and currently out on loan in League Two with Newport County.
Youl Mawene is the dad of both Noah and Theo. The fan favourite played for the Deepdale club from 2004 to 2010 and made 197 appearances in total. Noah and Theo are both centre midfielders, whereas father Youl was a centre back during his playing career.
