Preston North End’s second signing of the summer agreed after swoop for Stoke City free agent
Preston North End’s second signing of the summer has been agreed, the Lancashire Post understands.
The Lilywhites made Jordan Thompson their first recruit, with the former Stoke City man’s arrival announced on Friday. He has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal, with option for a further, at Deepdale.
Lots of business is anticipated this summer and it’s believed that signing number two is now all but done. However, there is likely to be a delay over the announcement due to the player’s club’s season still going on.
Following intense speculation, that is expected to be the capture of ex-loan favourite Daniel Iversen. The Dane has been strongly linked with a return to Preston, with his contract expiring at Leicester City.
PNE CEO Peter Ridsdale told BBC Lancashire this week that the club were confident of landing their number one goalkeeper target. Iversen has been on the Foxes’ bench for their last two games.
And, the relegated side have a couple more Premier League matches left to play. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men host Ipswich Town this Sunday and head to Bournemouth seven days later.
Once their campaign is concluded then Iversen would be free to put the finishing touches on a transfer. He made 71 appearances for PNE during his previous 18 months on loan at Deepdale.
Iversen was a big fan favourite, keeping 23 clean sheets for the club and winning double Player of the Year in 2021/22. He has made 17 appearances for Leicester and spent time on loan at Stoke last year.
Your next PNE read:Â Former Preston North End man one of eight players released by Championship club
Southampton FC enter race to sign £3m-rated star – He was previously wanted by QPR and Stoke City
Looking to strengthen following relegation back to the Championship, Southampton are interested in Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston, who has attracted suitors across the continent.
As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Saints are interested in the fullback, who is valued at around £3 million by Sturm Graz.
Middlesbrough-born Johnston has represented Scotland since under-16 level, and made his senior international debut in March this year, coming on as a late substitute for Billy Gilmour against Greece.
Joining from Scottish outfit Motherwell in the summer of 2023, the 21-year-old has become a key player in Styria, making 20 Bundesliga appearances for Sturm Graz as they won their first league title since 2011, while also lifting the ÖFB-Cup.
With the club on their way to picking up their second title in a row, Johnston has registered five assists and scored one goal across 22 league appearances, while making five appearances in the Champions League.
Max Johnston’s 2024/25 stats correct as of 16/05/25 (Transfermarkt)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 22 | 1 | 5 |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | – | – |
| ÖFB-Cup | 2 | – | 1 |
Southampton target Max Johnston attracting interest across the continent
Alongside Southampton’s interest, the performances of Johnston have earned the Scotsman plaudits across the continent.
As reported by Anthony Joseph, German sides Augsburg and recently-promoted Hamburger SV are among the sides who have been watching the fullback this season.
2023/24 Europa League winners Atalanta have also shown interest in Johnston.
Following his debut campaign in Austria, Sturm Graz also reportedly rejected approaches from French outfit Stade de Reims, alongside Championship clubs QPR and Stoke City, with Graz feeling that he was in the best place to develop with the offer of Champions League football.
As of now, heading into the summer of 2025, the Austrian champions value the right-back at around £3 million.
Southampton aiming for immediate bounce-back
After a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Southampton are looking to reset over the summer months ahead of another promotion charge next term, following their ascent via the play-offs twelve months ago.
Southampton could also be set to lose current right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who has been linked with Leeds, West Ham, Spurs, and Everton. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News that several clubs are circling the 27-year-old, with no decision made yet.
