Major blow for Preston and Bolton as top flight star outlines desire to sign new contract

Add as preferred source on Google

Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End have both been busy in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Preston are currently going through their first preseason with Paul Heckingbottom, and he has made a number of signings to shape the squad he wants for the upcoming 2025/26 Championship season.

The Lancashire club only managed to secure their Championship status on the final day of the last campaign, and the club will look to ensure there is no threat of relegation this season.

Meanwhile, Bolton have shown once again their desire to get their way out of League One, as they are investing in their squad to achieve this.

This has seen the clubs battle it out for a striker currently operating in the Scottish top flight.

• READ MORE: Preston North End agree loan for Premier League ace, he has a point to prove after last season ‘didn’t work’

Major blow for Preston and Bolton in their desire to sign Johnny Kenny

The Republic of Ireland underage star had a fantastic season last year as he helped Shamrock Rovers reach the group stage of the Europa Conference League while on loan from Celtic.

Bolton had a previous offer to sign Johnny Kenny permanently, which was rejected as it did not match Celtic’s valuation of the striker.

Kenny is currently on preseason with the Scottish side in Ireland, with the Celts beating Cork City during the week.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner about his future with Celtic, he said: “I’d love to sign a new contract at this club.

“It’s the club I want to play for at the end of the day. Since I came back in January. I can’t describe how good the manager has been for me.

“Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so that’s very promising for me at this club. I’m happy to sign a new contract.

“The manager will make his decision on that (another loan move). Wherever I am, I want to play football.”

• READ MORE: Chelsea now close to agreeing deal for former Championship star following Liverpool interest

Johnny Kenny’s career to this point

Kenny joined Celtic in January 2022 after coming through the youth ranks of Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland.

The 22-year-old showed incredible development last season after his loan to Shamrock Rovers, allowing him to play European football and be involved in a title fight.

Kenny returned to Celtic in January last season after Shamrock Rovers’ European adventure ended, having a detrimental impact on their title challenge, to feature seven times under Brendan Rodgers.

He will be hopeful he can continue his sharp rise in recent months and be given the opportunity to develop further, whether that be at Celtic or out on loan; however, this has dented Bolton and Preston’s desire to sign him permanently.