Exclusive: Preston North End open talks to sign Emir Karic
Preston are in talks to sign Austrian defender Emir Karic from Sturm Graz, sources have told Football Insider.
North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has identified the 27-year-old as a top target as he looks to bolster his left-back options.
Karic, who can also play in defensive midfield, only joined Sturm Graz last summer from German club Darmstadt.
He has made 10 appearances across all competitions for the Austrian side this term, notching one assist.
The versatile 27-year-old has been on the bench for each of Sturm Graz’s six Champions League fixtures in the 2024-25 campaign.
Karic has extensive experience in Austria, playing 147 times in the country’s top two divisions across spells with Sturm Graz, LASK, SCR Altach and FC Liefering.
Preston in talks to sign Sturm Graz star Karic
He made 85 appearances for previous club Darmstadt, including 27 outings in the German Bundesliga.
The former Austria Under-21 international is under contract with Sturm Graz until June 2027.
Preston sit 15th in the Championship under Heckingbottom, who succeeded Ryan Lowe at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Lancashire club have already wrapped up the signing of centre-back Lewis Gibson from Plymouth this month.
Heckingbottom’s side, who have picked up seven points from their last five games, are next in action against struggling Luton Town on Saturday (18 January).
In other news, Wycombe brace for offers for Preston target.
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