Manager Alan Irvine is chasing at least two players – a goalscorer and a central defender – before the August window slams shut.

But he has revealed the club's limited supply of cash for pay and transfer fees is proving the biggest stumbling block.

He said: "We are obviously having to do it within our means. There are a lot of players that might spring to mind when you are thinking about possible signings.

"But we have our own wage constraints to consider and obviously there are constraints with transfer fees too.

"We can't possibly buy a number of players people are writing in to me about."

Irvine has been frustrated throughout the summer with the lack of progress in the market.

Having captured midfielder Barry Nicholson on a free from Aberdeen – a signing which is already looking a shrewd bit of business – his only other success since last season has been the arrival of winger Ross Wallace on an extended loan.

Irvine needs cover at the heart of his defence with only two of his four recognised centre-halves fit to play.

And the need for more firepower was highlighted in Tuesday's cup defeat by strugglers Derby.

Preston still have Chris Brown and Brett Ormerod in reserve after the first five fixtures of the new season.

Brown could return to the 16 for Saturday, although he is well-short of match fitness after being sidelined since the Everton friendly with ankle and back problems.

Full story in Thursday's Evening Post