Burnley now eyeing move to sign ex-PNE loanee Alvaro Fernandez
Preston North End fans could now see former loanee Alvaro Fernandez make a rather painful move to Burnley.
Fernandez spent last season on loan with PNE as Manchester United sent him out for first-team experience.
The Spaniard – formerly of Real Madrid – had never made a senior appearance before heading to Deepdale.
This was quite the coup for PNE as Bundesliga clubs were thought to be interested in signing Fernandez.
Fernandez came in to compete with former United man Robbie Brady as the starting left wing back under Ryan Lowe.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a hugely productive season with PNE, racking up 27 starts and 12 substitute appearances in the Championship.
That has been massively beneficial for Fernandez’s development and PNE fans would love to see him come back for another year at Deepdale.
Fernandez has admitted that North End have been trying to re-sign him this summer but he wants to test himself at a higher level.
PNE fans have largely accepted that stance but seeing him join Burnley would be tough to swallow.
Sky Sports claim that Burnley are looking to snap up Fernandez this summer as Vincent Kompany targets a new left back.
The Clarets saw Ian Maatsen excel on loan from Chelsea last season but he looks unlikely to return this term.
That means Kompany and co are looking at other options with Fernandez one of them.
North End’s rivalry with Burnley maybe wasn’t what it was in the 2000’s but it would still sting to see a PNE fan favourite head to Turf Moor.
We went through a similar situation last summer when Burnley were heavily linked with signing Sepp van den Berg after his PNE loan spell.
That deal didn’t end up happening and PNE fans will now hope that Fernandez ends up elsewhere this summer as Burnley consider their left back options.
