[themaclad]

Jeppe Okkels has joined Swedish top flight side Djurgårdens on a permanent basis, for an undisclosed fee.

Okkels, who became a PNE player last summer, made 11 appearances during his time at Deepdale.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Jeppe for his efforts and wish him luck for the future.

[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce Harrison Armstrong has joined the club on loan from Everton.

The highly-rated young midfielder, who is currently on international duty with the England U19 squad, is set to spend the remainder of the season at Deepdale.

Harrison, 18, has already made eight senior appearances for the Toffees and claimed two assists in their Carabao Cup round two victory last month, earning himself the Player of the Match award.

The midfielder has progressed right through the Everton ranks since joining the club at just five years old. His first professional contract came in July 2024, soon followed by his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in August.

Harrison was named in every Premier League matchday squad during the first half of the 2024/25 season, before heading out on loan to Derby County where he became a key player for the Rams in his first experience of the Championship.

Since returning to Everton, the England youth international has been heavily involved in pre-season and has featured for David Moyes’ side twice this season. Now allowed to leave on loan, Harrison will join up with North End following the international break.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “Harrison is a special talent who we’re really excited to be bringing on board.

“There were a number of clubs after him and he’s been doing so well that we weren’t sure if Everton would keep him around for the Premier League season.

“It’s great for us that they’ve decided this is the best place for him to be right now. He’s got real quality and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce Ali McCann has signed a new deal with the club.

The central midfielder, who originally joined PNE in August 2021, has extended his stay at Deepdale until at least the summer of 2029.

With 143 North End appearances to his name and having featured in every league match so far this season, Ali has become a key part of Paul Heckingbottom’s side, while also now being a regular for the Northern Ireland national team.

Ali said: “I’m buzzing to be fair. I feel really settled here and I’ve really enjoyed my time, so I’m happy it’s continuing.

“I think where the club and the squad is now and how we’ve started this season has been unreal.

“It’s probably one of the best I’ve been a part of, if not the best since I’ve been here.”

Ali initially made the move to Deepdale from St Johnstone four years ago for his first experience of English football and since then he feels he’s grown as a player and a person off the pitch.

Despite only being 25, the midfielder is viewed as a senior and experienced head in the dressing room and has taken the captain’s armband on a number of occasions for PNE.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom added: “It’s a no brainer from our point of view. Ali was really clear that he wanted to stay.

“He loves it here and he wants to be a part of things, so I think it was really sensible from both sides and everyone got what they wanted which is great.”

[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce the signing of Jamal Lewis on a short-term deal.

The left-sided defender has put pen to paper on a contract at Deepdale which will run until 30th December 2025.

The Northern Ireland international arrives with plenty of experience, including a promotion out of the Championship with Norwich City and 39 caps for his country.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’ve been struck by a few injuries which has made the squad look a bit thin, so we felt we needed more cover in the short-term and I’m really happy we’ve been able to bring in someone of Jamal’s calibre.

“He brings experience of playing at the highest level, he’s earned promotion out of this division, and he’s been playing international football since 2018.

“Most importantly he’s shown us he’s really excited by the opportunity and he’s ready to give everything while he’s with us.”

Jamal’s career began with Norwich City, where he would go on to really make his mark in the 2018/19 campaign, helping the Canaries to achieve promotion to the Premier League while also being named in the EFL Team of the Season.

The defender then earned a move to Newcastle United where he would go on to make 36 appearances, with some of his time with the Magpies spent out on loan with Watford and Brazilian giants São Paulo.

Jamal will now spend the next two months as a PNE player and will be in contention to make his debut against Southampton this weekend.

Jamal said: “I'm really excited. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and just ready and raring to go, to be honest.

“I spoke to the manager. Obviously he knows of me and my running power, what I can give to any team that I play for. I think how the team plays should suit me and I should be able to gel with the team quite well. I just want to be able to get as much knowledge and information and get everything moving as quickly as possible so I can just help as much as I can.”