Preston North End are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Will Keane for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old forward, who spent time on loan at Deepdale in 2015, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal following his move from Wigan Athletic.
Keane, a Republic of Ireland international, has been a key man for the Latics in recent years having netted 39 goals in all competitions during the previous two seasons.
Will said: “I’m really excited. It’s great for me to have that challenge again and be in the Championship next season.
“It’s been an enjoyable two years at Wigan but it felt like the right time to move forward and I think this is the perfect place for me to kick on.
“I’m really excited to be back here and I can’t wait to get going. I’m just looking forward to being a part of it and bring what I can to the table.
“I can hopefully help the squad keep moving in the right direction. I’m just really pleased and can’t wait to get back out there at Deepdale.”
The forward first signed for North End on loan from Manchester United during the 2015/16 campaign – the club’s first season back in the Championship – and he’s remembered for a superb solo goal he scored in a Lancashire derby against Burnley.
Since then, he has spent time with Hull City, Ipswich Town and his most recent club Wigan Athletic, where he scored 26 goals during the 2021/22 season to help the Latics secure the League One title.
That tally saw him take the division’s Golden Boot award and he was also named as the club’s Players’ Player of the Year.
Manager Ryan Lowe said: “Will’s a seasoned pro who’s scored plenty of goals during the past few seasons.
“It’s something we’re missing at the moment so when we knew he was available we made sure we beat off competition from at least four Championship clubs who were also in for him.
“As far as I’m concerned he knows where the back of the net is and he’s a different type of striker too, who can link up, get in behind, and score headed goals.
“Now he’s here, we’re all looking forward to working with him.”