Back in May, Preston North End were quietly being linked with a move for Dundee sensation Luke Graham, with the Scottish defender attracting interest from across the Championship and beyond.

Norwich City, Portsmouth, Derby County and even the Old Firm were all credited with an interest, but there was a genuine opportunity for North End to get ahead of the competition and secure one of Scotland’s most promising young defenders.

At the time, Vital Football understood that Preston were admirers of the former Montrose defender, but he wasn’t necessarily a priority as the club focused their attention on the proposed takeover from Amr Zedan. While the uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation was understandable, it was potentially a costly distraction, particularly when opportunities to recruit players of Graham’s profile don’t come around too often.

There was plenty to admire about the 22-year-old before his eventual move to England. A left-footed centre-back who is equally comfortable operating at left-back, Graham enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Dens Park, making 35 league starts and 40 appearances across all competitions. His performances were recognised with both Dundee’s Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, underlining just how highly regarded he had become in Scotland.

However, it was his underlying numbers that really made him stand out. Fifteen successful dribbles from centre-back, 276 duels won and an impressive 70.3% aerial success rate demonstrated a defender capable of offering considerably more than simply winning his individual battles. At 6ft 4in, Graham provides an imposing physical presence, but his composure in possession, willingness to carry the ball and ability to progress play through the lines are arguably just as impressive.

For a Preston side that has often lacked composure and confidence when building from the back, those qualities should have been particularly appealing. Graham possesses the technical ability to fit into a more progressive defensive system, while his physical attributes would also make him a valuable option when dealing with the demands of Championship football. There is still plenty of development ahead of him, but the foundations are certainly there.

There was also a financial incentive for North End. With Dundee reportedly looking for a fee in excess of £2m, Graham represented an opportunity to invest in a young defender with considerable resale potential, rather than committing similar money to an older player with less room for development. 

Stoke City ultimately won the race for his signature in a reported £2m deal, handing him a four-year contract and the opportunity to develop under Mark Robins.

For North End, it is difficult not to look at this one as a missed opportunity. Graham was already on their radar, possessed the attributes they should be looking for in a modern centre-back and was available at a fee that shouldn’t have been beyond their reach. With the need to build a younger, more technically capable defensive unit at Deepdale, North End could have secured a player capable of improving their backline for years to come.

Instead, Stoke got their man, and PNE were left to watch another Championship rival secure a defender who could prove to be an excellent long-term investment. Only time will tell just how good Graham becomes, but given what was available to see at Dundee, PNE should have done considerably more to bring him to Deepdale.