Doncaster Rovers captain Ben Whiteman completes Preston move

Whiteman, 24, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Deepdale outfit.

The Lancastrian’s future has been subject to intense speculation during the past few transfer windows, with a number of clubs linked with moves.

Barnsley saw a number of bids rebuffed by Rovers in the summer transfer window and QPR and Nottingham Forest were linked with moves this month.

But Preston’s persistence has paid off and they have now tempted Rovers to sell their star asset, with a big-money seven-figure offer.

On signing for North End, Rochdale-born Whiteman said: “I am over the moon to be at this massive football club.

"There weren’t many sides that I would have moved onto from Doncaster, but this ticked all the boxes and once I spoke to the manager it was a no brainer for me.

“As soon as I had finished with him, I had made my mind up straight away. He spoke very well and spoke very highly of the football club and I can’t wait to start.”

Preston manager Alex Neil added: “We have been after him since the window opened and we have managed to stave off a number of other suitors, who were interested, so it has been great business from us.

“He is a player who has his best years ahead of him. He is only 24 and I am really happy that we have managed to get him in.”