Michael Devlin: Preston deny Hamilton's claim over transfer agreement
- Published
Michael Devlin picked up a cruciate ligament injury in May
Preston North End have denied Hamilton Academical's claim that they have come to a "financial agreement" over the transfer of centre-half Michael Devlin.
The Scottish Premiership club had announced on their website that the 24-year-old had been given permission to talk to the Championship outfit.
The 24-year-old Accies captain has not played since May because of injury.
"We now have a financial agreement with Preston North End for the transfer of Michael," Accies' website stated.
The Scot, who is out of contract this summer, is well known to Preston boss Alex Neil, who was his team-mate then manager at New Douglas Park.
"The player has been granted permission to visit Deepdale and discuss terms," Hamilton said.
"In the event that Michael departs in this window, it will be with the club's best wishes.
"He has been an outstanding graduate from our academy and an inspiring club captain."
Despite having returned to training, Devlin is not in the Accies squad for Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at home to Hearts.
However, Preston have been left bemused by Accies' claims and their official Twitter account stated: "Preston North End can confirm that, contrary to reports north of the border, there is no agreement in place with regards to Hamilton's Michael Devlin."
Devlin has made 147 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club after coming through their youth ranks and making his debut in 2011.
Hamilton chairman Ronnie MacDonald insists, though, that an agreement is in place for Devlin to go to Preston for the rest of the season.
"Michael's contract lapses at the end of the season and we have reached an agreement with Preston that he can go an play with them until the end of the season, subject to him agreeing that with his representatives of course," MacDonald said.
- Published24 January 2018
- Published24 January 2018
- Published24 January 2018
