Preston North End now have a chance to sign Jack Whatmough on a free transfer after he ripped up his Wigan Athletic contract.
Wigan have this evening confirmed that Whatmough and midfielder Jamie McGrath have terminated their contracts.
It’s stated that ‘repeated contractual breaches’ under Wigan’s previous ownership mean the duo can walk free.
Wigan have tried to keep hold of both players but Whatmough and McGrath have decided to leave the DW Stadium on free transfers.
Now available with immediate effect, Whatmough is bound to attract major Championship interest.
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reported in June that PNE were in the race to sign Whatmough alongside Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City and Coventry City
McGrath suggested at the time that Whatmough could terminate his contract and that has now come true.
PNE will surely ask the question to Whatmough and his representatives – and possibly raid Wigan once again.
Striker Will Keane left Wigan for PNE earlier this month whilst coaches Peter Murphy and Rob Kelly have made the move to Deepdale.
Whatmough joined the Latics from Portsmouth back in 2021 and has been an important player ever since.
The 26-year-old would offer PNE an option on the right and in the middle of Ryan Lowe’s back three.
PNE do though already have six centre backs and moving for another would surely mean somebody is leaving.
Patrick Bauer would be the most likely exit given his lack of playing time last season but there have been no rumours about a potential exit.
Whatmough is one to keep an eye on though with his decision no doubt sparking interest from a number of clubs.
