Opinion: Move for 28-year-old free agent is risk worth taking as likes of Derby and Bolton circle

It seems as though Tom Barkhuizen will be a man in demand over the course of the summer.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the winger will be leaving Preston North End this summer after five-and-a-half-years at Deepdale, when his contract with the club expires.

But despite that, it seems that the 28-year-old is unlikely to be without a club for too long at all, judging by recent reports.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, League One promotion winners Rotherham United, as well as Derby County and Bolton Wanderers – who themselves will both be targeting promotion from the third-tier next season – are all targeting moves for Barkhuizen this summer.

Admittedly, given injury has restricted the winger to just a handful of appearances for Preston this season, none of which have come since January, there is certainly a risk associated with this move, due to the concerns there will be around a lack of match fitness for the 28-year-old.

But despite that, it is hard not to feel as though a move for Barkhuizen, is a risk worth taking for one of these sides.

With the exception of his struggles this season, the winger has been a regular feature for Preston during his time with the club, making almost 200 Championship appearances for the club.

As a result, Barkhuizen certainly knows what he is doing at that level, meaning he could certainly has the the proven ability to help a club win promotion to, or establish themselves in the second-tier.

Indeed, with 38 goals and 22 assists in 209 appearances for Preston across all competitions, there can be no arguing with the fact that Barkhuizen is more than capable of making things happen in the Championship, and could flourish even more at League One level were he to join a club such