Aston Villa loanee Lewis Dobbin is attracting significant interest from a number of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Impressive Loan Spell
The 23-year-old has enjoyed the best form of his career during his loan at Deepdale, recording 16 goal contributions in 37 Championship appearances, including nine goals across all competitions. Dobbin joined Villa from Everton nearly two years ago in a deal that saw Tim Iroegbunam move in the opposite direction, with both players valued at around £10 million.
Heckingbottom's Assessment
Speaking about the growing list of suitors, Heckingbottom said: "Yeah, there is. Listen, he's been good. I spoke to him at the end of last season and we kept in touch. We didn't know if we could do it." The Preston boss added that Dobbin has adapted well to a central role, saying: "He's not starved of the ball, he will run and press. He knows I'm not going to have a go at him when he gives the ball away, because I feel the more we can encourage him to get on the ball and be positive, the more havoc he can cause."
Dobbin's Ambitions
Dobbin himself has expressed his desire to eventually play for Aston Villa. "I'm contracted to Villa. I went there with the aspirations to play for Villa. That's always my goal, that's always the long-term goal," he told the Lancashire Post. However, he acknowledged that a permanent move could be possible if Villa receive a suitable offer.
It is expected that Dobbin will either head out on loan again or leave permanently this summer, with several clubs monitoring his situation.
