Mawene is among the bright prospects in the Preston North End academy setup and he has already caught the eye for their youth sides. His displays in the FA Youth Cup have been strong too, perhaps prompting Premier League interest in his services.
At 17, he’s already made his PNE debut. He came off the bench to play Leicester City towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign, something that could contribute to a slightly higher compensation.
If more senior opportunities arise, that also may entitle the Lilywhites to more at a tribunal.
However, with Brentford putting together an offer and his deal running down, it feels as though Mawene will be heading for the Premier League come the summer.
While the relevant figures will be keeping an eye on Mawene’s situation, Heckingbottom will be eager to keep his Preston North End side focused on on-pitch matters.
That will be far easier to do now that the winter transfer window is out of the way.
PNE are next in action on Tuesday as they make the trip to Carrow Road to face Norwich City. They’ll be keen to get back to winning ways having lost only one of seven before the Blackburn defeat.
Heckingbottom and co will also learn their fifth round FA Cup opponents in the draw on Monday night.
