North End are one of a whole host of clubs linked with the Bolton player. The vultures have started swirling over Bolton since the club was put into administration.
Connell is a saleable asset for the club who will need to cash in to balance the books and come up with some finances to haul the club back up the football league pyramid after a disatrous season.
A number of clubs have been linked with Connell and it is unclear if Preston will make any formal approach for a youngster when Alex Neil has set out he is after more experience this term.