Five reasons why PNE are tracking hit man Bradshaw

While reports in the West Midlands claim PNE have tabled a £400,000 bid, the Lilywhites say their interest this summer has gone no further than an enquiry.

Here are five reasons why the Wales international is on the radar of North End and other clubs in the Championship.

1. Bradshaw has scored 40 goals in League One and the cup competitions in his two seasons at Walsall.

Before joining the Saddlers, he had netted 17 times for Shrewsbury, so he has a pedigree in the lower divisions and the potential to step up a level to the Championship.

2. Age is on his side, the 23-year-old is still developing as a player and has plenty of time before hitting his peak.

Regarding North End’s interest, he would fit in with their recent recruitment pattern, with Daniel Johnson, Jordan Hugill, Alan Browne, Ben Pearson and Liam Grimshaw of a similar age.

3. Bradshaw had started to get recognition at international level, with him capped by Wales for the first time against Ukraine in March.

He was named in Wales’ training squad ahead of the Euros but a calf injury has forced his early return from their Algarve training camp.

4. With just a year to run on his Walsall contract, the Saddlers will probably be forced to cash in on him.

After the summer, they would have only the January transfer window to get a fee for him.

That has led to plenty of interest in him but will clubs go up to the reported £750,000 asking price?

5. North End do have a history of keeping track of transfer targets and having tried to buy him last January, that has led to this latest interest in Bradshaw.

But whether it gets beyond this week’s enquiry, remains to be seen.

With Bradshaw not having played in the Championship before, there would be a limit on what they are prepared to spend on him.