Alan Browne's Preston return off as Ireland international to remain at Sunderland

Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne, left, and Liverpool FC defender Jeremie Frimpong battle for the ball. Pic: AP Photo/George Walker IV

Alan Browne’s proposed return to Preston North End is off, with the Corkman expected to remain at Sunderland after tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.

A romantic return to Deepdale was on track as the window closure approached but final agreement on personal terms couldn’t be reached for him to rejoin the Championship outfit he captained until departing two years ago.

Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris, despite not including the Irishman in matchday squads for his opening two games, isn’t pushing Browne out the door.

He’ll require squad depth as his side compete on four fronts this term – including at least eight Europa League group phase matches from September 16 against AZ Alkmaar.

The 31-year-old ended his 18-month wait for his 38th Ireland cap by coming on in the World Cup playoff semi-final in Czechia, unfortunately being one of the two players to miss penalties in the shootout. 

Should game time continue to be scarce in his final season under contract at the Stadium of Light, he can opt to seek a move again during the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, Browne’s fellow Leesider Chiedozie Ogbene is on the move, about to join Championship newcomers Lincoln City on loan from Ipswich Town.

Ogbene’s parent club, Ipswich Town, have agreed a fee with Shamrock Rovers for the transfer of goalkeeper Alex Noonan, the 18-year-old understudy to Hoops first-choice Ed McGinty.

Preston will have an Irish recruit in this window, as Sligo native Johnny Kenny finalizes his transfer from Celtic for a fee believed to be around €3m.

A cut of 10% will be allocated to his former club, Sligo, as part of the terms brokered in his €150,000 move to the Scottish giants in 2022.

Ireland U21 full-back Sam Curtis is joining Cathal Heffernan at Cambridge United, moving temporarily from Sheffield United, while Hibernian defender Warren O’Hora is being linked with a switch to Leicester City ahead of the cut-off.