Steve Bruce turns down chance to end Preston North End's transfer hopes

The transfer window is one big enigma that loves to build up hope only to let you down. It's a two-month puzzle of rumours, second-guesses, wild goose chases and moving parts. These dog-eat-dog weeks, where everyone is in it for themselves, looking to get the best deal and come out alive, but ultimately finish in a stronger position than they started.

Generosity and honesty is rarely seen nor allowed to exist; it's all riddles, hints, winks and tricks. Often it gets toxic and patience tends to be in short supply, as new signings are longed for and the consensus is generally that everybody else is doing better. Every now and then, though, there is a transfer that reminds us why there is such obsession with, what at the end of the day, isn't a very nice thing.

And Callum Robinson to Preston North End would be an example of that. Football is so popular because of its ability to bring out emotion you don't feel elsewhere. Robbo is adored at Deepdale; the memories supporters hold of him are happy ones. His return would transform the feeling around North End's transfer business from just getting started, to much more like it.

So, what's the story so far? Robinson is said to be down the pecking order at West Brom, along with a handful of other players, meaning that the Baggies would sanction a move away this summer. He is under contract until 2025 at The Hawthorns and Albion's preference appears to be a permanent sale. North End were first linked last week, but with a loan deal for their former attacker, and manager Ryan Lowe then weighed in on PNE's interest in the player while away in Spain. Steve Bruce was subsequently questioned and gave an intriguing response.

"What can I say to someone else’s comments? I’m sure he does