Double Danish for PNE?

Preston North End look on course to land one Great Dane this summer '“ but are still waiting to see whether a second will arrive at Deepdale.
Simon Makienok is challenged by PNE skipper Tom Clarke at DeepdaleSimon Makienok is challenged by PNE skipper Tom Clarke at Deepdale
Simon Makienok is challenged by PNE skipper Tom Clarke at Deepdale

A deal is in place to bring in 6ft 7ins Danish striker Simon Makienok on loan from Italian club Palermo.

Fellow countryman Anders Lindegaard is someone who the Lilywhites are looking to bring back after his four-month stay last season.

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The goalkeeper played 14 games for PNE while on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

Lindegaard has a year left on his Baggies contract but is keen to move on.

For him to become available to North End, he needs to come to a settlement with Albion over the remainder of his deal – which is something of a sticking point currently.

There are other keepers on Preston’s radar as they look for someone to compete with Chris Maxwell for the No.1 jersey next season.

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Sam Johnstone and Declan Rudd, who like Lindegaard have previously been loanees, cannot be ruled out.

However, Johnstone proved beyond reach last summer due to uncertainty behind the scenes at Manchester United.

Rudd played 11 Premier League games for Norwich last season but was, in the main, behind John Ruddy in the pecking order.

With the Canaries having been relegated, it could lead to some movement in their goalkeeping department.

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At the other end of the pitch, a year’s loan deal for Makienok is agreed. It can only take effect from July 1 as his current loan deal with Charlton officially runs until June 30.

Makienok was in Preston last week to discuss the switch and have a medical.

He played against North End twice last season, coming on as a substitute in PNE’s 3-0 win at The Valley.

When the sides met at Deepdale, the 25-year-old played the full game.

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Capped six times by Denmark, he played for three clubs in his home country, including Brondby.

After being a regular scorer for Brondby, Makienok was linked with clubs in Russia, England, Scotland and Italy.

In August 2104, he joined Palermo, who are based on the island of Sicily, for £2m.

But his one season there was not a happy one and he joined Charlton on loan last summer.

He has two years remaining on his Palermo contract.

North End see him as being different to the strikers they already have.

His height is a factor, so too his hold-up play which could help others get into games.

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