Whiteman has 'crossed line' as Wrexham bid accepted

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom says Ben Whiteman has crossed a line amid interest from Wrexham, and warns the midfielder may have put himself in a difficult position if the move does not happen.

Preston North End skipper Ben Whiteman has told boss Paul Heckingbottom he "has played his last game" for the club amid attention from fellow Championship side Wrexham. The midfielder only missed three Championship games for Preston last season, but Heckingbottom does not seem likely to welcome him back with open arms should a move over the Welsh border not materialise.

What did Paul Heckingbottom say about Ben Whiteman?

Heckingbottom said Whiteman had gone beyond a boundary he had set for him.

"Ben knew there was a line I didn't want him to cross and unfortunately he has,"

He also said there is a valuation on the player and that he hopes Wrexham are willing to meet it.

"There's a valuation on him, I just hope for Ben's sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it otherwise he's put himself in a sticky situation."

Heckingbottom added that Whiteman had made his own position difficult.

"He's made his bed. I'm not bothered as long as I get another player."

What is Ben Whiteman's background at Preston?

Whiteman joined Preston North End from Doncaster Rovers in 2021 and has since gone on to play 224 games for the Lilywhites. He has been a regular figure for the club and missed only three Championship games for Preston last season.