PRESTON poacher Eoin Doyle, now back at Deepdale following a double loan spell at Boundary Park, is reportedly being chased by five League One clubs — with North End keen to sell the 30-year-old.

The Dubliner, who ended the campaign as Latics’ 16- goal top scorer despite missing large parts of the season with a blood clot, clearly enjoyed his time with Athletic and is highly rated by Richie Wellens.

The Latics boss doesn’t intend to waste any time in moulding a squad fit for a promotion assault next season with the summer transfer window now officially open for business.

However, following the club’s relegation to League Two, Doyle’s future could now lie elsewhere.

Of the existing out-of-contract players at the club, defender Jamie Stott is so far the only one to have penned a new deal, having signed a two-year extension. There is an offer on the table for Ryan McLaughlin, while options have been taken on Cameron Dummigan and Ousmane Fane. Brian Wilson and Tope Obadeyi are among seven to have been shown the door.

Stott told the club’s official website: “I am buzzing to be offered a new deal. I couldn’t be happier.”

The 20-year-old joins fellow youngsters George Edmundson and Tom Hamer in coming through the ranks to make it to the first-team squad.

“I signed for the club when I was eight so to finally make it is a dream come true.

“Me and George played together in the youth team for a while and I played with Tom last year. They have both done exceptionally well.”

Stott believes the young players at the club now have a platform to kick-on and showcase their talents.

He said: “It’s a shame we have been relegated but for us young players, it is a chance to show everyone what we can do.

Stott has made one senior appearance in an Athletic shirt, earning the man-ofthe-match award in a 1-0 win against Bolton at the end of the 2016-17 season.

He spent the latter part of last season on loan at Stockport County in the National League North before being recalled as cover.