Breaking: Preston North End agree deal to sign 25-year-old Iceland international for six-figure fee

Iceland international reportedly on his way to sign for Preston North End

Preston North End have agreed a deal to sign Silkeborg midfielder Stefán Teitur Thórdarson, the Lancashire Post understands.

Reports from Denmark emerged on Sunday morning, stating that the Lilywhites had fought off interest from Derby County and QPR for the signing of Thordarson. The 25-year-old Iceland international had six months left to run on his contract and North End have agreed a six-figure fee with the Danish outfit.

Personal terms are agreed with the player, who has since flown over to England and met with PNE representatives. Thordarson, who scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, reportedly said his goodbyes to Silkeborg team mates this weekend. North End have chased the 21-time international for several weeks.

His signature is subject to international clearance and a work permit. Barring any issues on that front, Thordarson should become a PNE player on Monday – with his medical booked in. He would become Preston’s second signing of the summer, after Sam Greenwood’s arrival on loan from Leeds United this week. The fee is believed to be around the £600k mark.

Thordarson signed for Silkeborg in 2020, from Icelandic side IA Akranes. He has made 126 appearances for the club, scoring 16 goals and assisting 12. The 6 foot 2 midfielder’s one goal for his country came in October 2021, against Liechtenstein. Thordarson also played half-an-hour at Wembley in June, as Iceland beat England 1-0.

The Brewers were also in relegation danger, avoiding the drop by just two points, and they’re setting out to ensure there is no repeat this season. They’ve already added significantly to their squad, with Elliot Watt, Ben Whitfield, Tomas Kalinauskas and Danilo Orsi among the new faces.

They’re now likely to add Armer to that list, but Carlisle fans need not get excited about a possible replacement; Paul Simpson has clarified he is unlikely to bring a player in to replace Armer.

“No,” he replied when asked by local press if he intended to replace the 23-year-old. “I’ve got Cameron Harper, Taylor Charters can do that job there as well and then we’ve got Jack Robinson to come back in as well.

“And also, I don’t want to bring somebody else in and block the pathway for somebody like Aran Fitzpatrick.”

“I think we’ve got enough in that area and that’s the reason why I’m thinking we’ll do what we might be doing.”

Armer appeared for Scotland up to Under 19 level, and has 199 career appearances, both with the Cumbrians, and with a loan spell at Lancaster City in 2019/20.

He is not likely to be the only high-profile departure from Brunton Park this summer – former Leeds youth Alfie McCalmont is also set to depart in the coming days.