Preston North End are planning an ambitious summer transfer move, although they will have competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic.

North End are attempting to develop a squad that will enable them secure a top-eight berth in the Championship next season, following the expansion of the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Wolves are preparing to rebuild after being relegated from the Premier League, while Celtic must strengthen their ranks in order to retain the Scottish Premiership title.

Preston were potential of making the play-offs earlier in the 2025/26 season, but poor form in the second part of the season saw them finish 14th.

Preston North End made a significant advance for Alfie Devine.

Alfie Devine has been a valuable asset to North End this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in 45 Championship outings on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The all-action midfielder stood out when Paul Heckingbottom’s side defeated Sheffield United 3-2 on April 25, recording two assists at Bramall Lane.

Preston has the option to purchase Devine permanently, which they have now activated, according to the Lancashire Post.

According to the Post, the sum is expected to exceed £5 million, more than doubling the Lilywhites’ current transfer record.

Devine still has the ultimate say on any move this summer, and both Wolves and Celtic have been linked with the outstanding 21-year-old, but have yet to make the move Preston has made.

Preston intend to spread their payments, and the former Wigan Athletic youth player is from the North West, which may give Heckingbottom’s side an advantage in the competition for his services.

His most recent goals came on March 20, when he scored a brace as North End defeated Stoke City 3-1, with Milutin Osmajic adding the other goal.

The Alfie Devine deal would be a major statement of intent from Preston.

Preston have never qualified for the Championship play-offs since winning promotion from League One in 2015, but the expansion, which includes seventh and eighth place, increases their chances of doing so next season.

North End has also failed to finish in the top half of the second tier since 2024, something they will hope to change as soon as possible.

Acquiring Devine permanently, who has sparked interest from Wolves and Celtic, would be a major statement of purpose from North End, who are looking to build play-off credentials.

The 21-year-old has been a standout in the Championship this season, and he still has plenty of time to grow and thrive.

Wolves have a better chance of gaining promotion to the Premier League next season than Preston, while Celtic can give Devine Champions League play if they make it through the qualifications.

However, Devine is already familiar with North End from his loan spell at Deepdale, so staying with the Lilywhites may be the best option for his development.

Smashing their transfer record would also signal that Heckingbottom’s side has more ambition than before, and the current Tottenham player would be vital to any play-off chase ambitions.