EFL manager claims star has ‘made his bed’ with ruthless demand amid Wrexham interest

Paul Heckingbottom says Ben Whiteman has overstepped the mark by claiming he has made his final Preston North End appearance.

The Preston captain is reportedly a target for Wrexham this summer and appears keen on completing a Championship switch.

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Whiteman, who played in the Manchester United academy, has been with the club since January 2021 and made 224 appearances.

However, he is ready to leave, with the speculation over his future leading him to miss the pre-season friendly against Stockport County.

Preston boss Heckingbottom spoke after the 1-0 defeat and revealed his anger with the 30-year-old.

Whiteman ‘crossed a line’

“Ben told me, told Peter (Ridsdale, CEO) he’s played his last game for the club,” Heckingbottom said to BBC Radio Lancashire.

“He’s trying to force a move, which is an issue for me, for the players.”

Heckingbottom added: “We’ve been in regular conversations in the last few days, and Ben knew there was a line I didn’t want him to cross. Unfortunately he has, and you can’t have that.

“My priority now is the players that are here and the players who want to play for us, and represent the club.

“Also Craig (Hemmings, owner) will have an issue with that, and Peter, because they pay the wages and things.

“Listen, there’s a valuation on him. I just hope for Ben’s sake that Wrexham are willing to pay it, otherwise he’s put himself in a really sticky situation.”

Heckingbottom was then asked about the importance of Whiteman’s situation being resolved quickly.

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In response, he made it apparent that he won’t be too concerned with seeing the back of the midfielder.

“I’m not bothered now,” Heckingbottom said.

“He’s made his bed, I’m not bothered, as long as I get another player.”

Preston are set to play in their 12th consecutive Championship season after finishing 14th in the previous campaign.

They made a strong start to the summer by completing a permanent deal for Alfie Devine in a reported £6million move, a club record.

Devine was on loan from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur last season and hit 16 goal contributions across 48 outings.

Preston have also signed Lee Nicholls from Huddersfield Town, and begin their season against them in the Carabao Cup on August 8.