Doncaster Rovers accept bid for Ben Whiteman from Preston North End

The 24-year-old has been granted permission to speak with the Lancashire club over personal terms and is expected to undergo a medical, before the signing is officially confirmed towards the end of the week.

Rovers are expected to act swiftly to bolster the squad with funds from the Whiteman deal.

As reported by the Free Press at the weekend, Whiteman was left out of Rovers’ FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers as ‘a protective measure’ after ‘having his head turned by Championship interest.’

The opportunity to play Championship football, remain in his native north west, and considerably reduce the commuting time from his Greater Manchester home has proven to be a major attraction for the midfielder.

Precise details of the transfer deal are unlikely to be disclosed by either club, but Rovers are this week thought to have turned down a bid of £1.5m.

The proposed move follows repeated speculation about the midfielder’s future for over 18 months, with Rovers previously rejecting several bids from Championship clubs.

The latest development brings a swift conclusion to the matter after a week of speculation and several rejected bids for the midfielder.

Hull City and Barnsley both saw bids for Whiteman rejected in the past year with interest in him only intensifying heading into this winter transfer window.

As well as Preston, it is understood that Queens Park Rangers also saw a bid rejected last week while Nottingham Forest, Watford and Derby County were reported to be considering a move for Whiteman.

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