Exclusive: Preston North End is close to securing a deal to sign Rotherham’s star player.

Preston North End and Cardiff City are both showing strong interest in signing Rotherham United defender Denzel Hall during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports from Football Insider.

Hall has emerged as one of the few standout performers in an otherwise disappointing season for Rotherham, who suffered relegation to League Two. Despite the club’s struggles, the versatile defender impressed consistently enough to attract attention from clubs higher up the football pyramid.

The 24-year-old is also reportedly in line for an international call-up with Jamaica for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament. Jamaica are scheduled to face India and then take on either Nigeria or Zimbabwe, giving Hall another opportunity to showcase his qualities on a wider stage.

Rotherham appear resigned to losing Hall this summer following their drop into League Two, especially considering the growing number of clubs monitoring his situation. Although the defender remains contracted to the Millers until 2028, the club are expected to listen to offers once the transfer window officially opens.

Preston and Cardiff Both Monitoring Hall Closely

Cardiff City are already planning for a busy summer rebuild after their difficult campaign, and strengthening their defence has become a key priority.

The Welsh side are aware that they could lose Dylan Lawlor in the coming months, meaning additional defensive depth will be required ahead of next season. Hall has consequently emerged as one of several names under consideration by Cardiff’s recruitment staff.

The Bluebirds are believed to be weighing up whether to intensify their pursuit, particularly given the expectation that Hall could become available at a reasonable price due to Rotherham’s relegation.

Hall enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign despite his club’s difficulties. Across all competitions, he made 31 appearances, starting 25 matches and playing 2,284 minutes. During that spell, he also contributed three goals and two assists while collecting only three yellow cards.

His ability to operate both as a right-back and centrally in defence has made him an appealing target for multiple clubs searching for flexibility and reliability at the back.

Preston Looking to Refresh Their Squad

Meanwhile, Preston North End are also actively assessing potential reinforcements after ending last season in 14th place in the Championship.

The Lancashire side are aiming to build a younger, more dynamic squad capable of pushing further up the table next season. Concerns have reportedly grown internally regarding the age profile of several players currently within the squad, prompting a shift in recruitment strategy.

Rather than relying heavily on loan signings once again, Preston are now believed to be prioritising permanent additions who can become long-term assets for the club.

Hall fits that profile well, and Preston could hold an advantage in the race for his signature because they are currently competing in the Championship. The opportunity to remain in the second tier may prove attractive to the defender compared to joining a League One side.

However, sources suggest the race is still expected to be highly competitive, especially if Cardiff intensify their interest in the coming weeks.

Hall’s Versatility Makes Him Attractive

One of Hall’s biggest strengths is his positional flexibility.

While naturally a right-back, he has also demonstrated the ability to play effectively as a centre-back when required. That adaptability could prove invaluable for clubs looking to improve squad depth without making multiple signings for different defensive positions.

In addition to his defensive reliability, Hall also showed an ability to contribute offensively last season. His three goals and two assists highlighted a willingness to support attacks, while his disciplined record of just three yellow cards across the campaign demonstrated maturity and composure.

Given Rotherham’s difficult season overall, Hall’s performances stood out even more prominently.

Preston Also Facing Midfield Concerns

Defence is not the only area Preston are expected to strengthen this summer.

The club could also require reinforcements in midfield, especially with uncertainty surrounding several current players and loanees.

One player who impressed significantly during the campaign was Alfie Devine, who spent the season on loan at Deepdale. The talented midfielder became one of Preston’s standout performers and attracted attention from a number of clubs because of his displays.

Reports last month claimed Celtic were monitoring Devine closely after Martin O’Neill was spotted watching Preston’s 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers.

Devine is due to return to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and Spurs will ultimately determine whether he remains part of their plans or becomes available for transfer or another loan move.

Should the youngster depart permanently from Preston’s setup, the Championship side will likely need to recruit another midfielder capable of filling the creative void he could leave behind.

Busy Summer Ahead for Preston

As a result, Preston’s recruitment team are preparing for what could become a crucial transfer window.

The club are eager to move away from short-term solutions and instead focus on building a squad capable of sustained progress over the coming years.

Hall’s potential arrival would represent another step in that direction, providing youth, versatility and long-term value.

With both Preston and Cardiff circling, and Rotherham seemingly prepared to sanction a sale, Denzel Hall’s future could become one of the more intriguing transfer stories involving EFL clubs this summer.