Preston North End boss, Paul Heckingbottom, is looking at bolstering his options ahead of tomorrow night. With the deadline day looming, here is the latest.
According to Lancashire Post, summer business at Deepdale is still expected to continue. The European transfer window slams shut at 11pm tomorrow night, so any late deals will need to be sorted quickly.
On the rumour mill, supposed deals for Daniel Jebbison, Josh Coburn, and former Blackpool winger, Josh Bowler, have surfaced. Hopefully for Preston, further recruitment can be expected as early as tonight – if the 47-year-old’s comments are anything to go by.
So far in this window, North End have sealed loan moves for Leeds United’s Sam Greenwood and Aston Villa’s Kaine Kesler-Hayden. Stefan Thórdarson was snapped up from Silkeborg earlier in the summer, and Jeppe Okkels was signed for a reported £1.7 million.
PNE have utilised the loan market excellently for outgoings too this season, with deals spelling experience-gaining moves for fringe players like Josh Seary and Noah Mawene. There could still be room for some more outgoings dependant on which areas are targeted today and tomorrow.
On Tuesday night, Preston visited Harrogate Town in the EFL Cup second round, and emerged 5-0 victors. New signing, Greenwood, bagged a brace and record signing, Milutin Osmajic, scored an impressive hat-trick. Heckingbottom will be hoping that this performance could be used as a tempter for any late signings.
When asked about the little time left to do business, the former Sheffield United manager offered his stance:
“Yeah, progressing, honestly, There are so many plates spinning and things are progressing. I hope it’s done tonight and they (lights at the training ground/office) are switched off in a few hours and we’re done.
“We are actively trying to do something, definitely. We are in control of most things here, which is nice and a good position to be in. The conversations around are really reassuring.”
Will Keane is a name that has been the subject of bids from West Bromwich Albion and Wrexham in recent days, but it is likely that the 31-year-old will remain. However, the search for a striker is ‘up in the air’, with Heckingbottom seemingly satisfied by the number of forwards at his disposal.
“We have got different types of forwards, which is good. Certainly I want someone who can change the dynamic of the team a little bit.
“I think you have seen we’ve tried to get more bodies higher up the pitch and more pace on the back line (of the opposition team), so I want to be able to do that.
“I have spoken to a couple about that (outgoings), where clubs have maybe rung and shown interest. I think we need to be open where, if the window closes and it’s right for one of the younger boys to maybe go into non-league as well.
“We need to be seriously considering that as part of their programme (non-league loans), to get them that exposure rather than just training week-in week-out. We can always bring them back in, if we can get them closer to our first team.”
It is an exciting last couple of days for all involved at Deepdale, with a big movement of singings and departures potentially on the horizon. Heckingbottom will be keen to continue the good work he has started with the Lancashire side and these signings will be more personalised to his tactical set-up.
Writer’s View
In regards to the pace and quality that is being spoken about – in regards to late transfers – it is definitely an area that could massively improve North End’s transition from defence to attack.
With a particular excitement surrounding Josh Bowler, the PNE boss will be highly praised if they can land that coup. This is because a Liam Millar figure is still definitely missing in the Lancashire side. Although, Okkels looked promising in his full debut on Tuesday.
It looks likely that Preston are still a couple of signings short of being a real force in the league this season, but if the right recruitments are made in the next 24 hours or more, the tide could turn in their favour.
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