
Following the mutual termination of the 28-year-old’s contract with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, the Lilywhites were reported to have expressed interest in him last month.
Given that Kent had previously played for Heckingbottom, Preston was reportedly considering making a January move for him.
The pair worked together at Barnsley in 2016/17, as Kent played 47 games for the Tykes and contributed to six goals. After that spell, he had loans at Bristol City, SC Freiburg and Rangers – before a permanent move to the Ibrox club and four seasons there.
Heckingbottom has frequently discussed both boxes in the press and said that he would like to bolster his team with players who can take “moments” during games.
However, the PNE boss indicated that a move was not imminent when Kent’s name was brought up during the most recent press conference.
“”No, I keep getting asked about that,” said Heckingbottom. “I don’t know where… listen, he’s someone I know well and I spoke to him a couple of summers ago.
I had not spoken to him for years. I spoke to him when he first went out to Turkey, on a video call.
“But listen, I have got a lot of time for him as a lad. He is a good lad; I think he is a little bit misunderstood. But, a fantastic kid.
The best way to probably put it is that I’ve not got a clue what he is doing at the minute and have not been following. So, that probably tells you a lot.”