Sky Bet League One side Fleetwood Town lead the way to sign Preston North End defender Josh Earl, according to Pete O’Rourke.
League One Promotion Chaser Hunting Preston Defender Josh Earl
Loan Deal Likely
Earl returned to his parent club after his loan deal at Bolton Wanderers expired this weekend.
The Championship defender remains outside Alex Neil’s first-team plans though and, therefore, a loan move is again on the cards.
A source at Deepdale has reportedly told O’Rourke that Earl is low down on the pecking order; a loan move would allow him to benefit from regular first-team football.
The Lilywhites already have cover in defence through Andrew Hughes and Joe Rafferty so a temporary move away would allow Earl to continue his development.
Earl made just eleven appearances when on-loan at Bolton as an ankle injury left him sidelined for two months.
But, according to O’Rourke, a number of Football League sides have been impressed enough by Earl to want him.
The side supposedly leading the chase, Fleetwood, are keen to bolster their defensive options.
Joey Barton’s side need greater defensive cover as they gun for promotion and Earl’s ability to play in left or central defence is an attractive prospect.
Earl is contracted to stay at Deepdale until 2021 after signing a contract extension in January 2019.
Preston Hunt Salford City Striker
The same report also claims Preston are in the frame to sign Salford striker Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The tricky winger joined the League Two side on a free transfer from non-league Ebbsfleet United in September.
Football Insider claim that the 21-year-old is highly sought after by Preston and their Championship rivals QPR.
The winger made has made ten appearances across all competitions; he scored his first Ammies goal in the 3-1 win over Crewe Alexandra on Boxing Day.
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