PNE to invest Garner cash in squad

Simon Grayson says the money which Preston North End get from Joe Garner's impending sale to Rangers will be used in the transfer market and to extend the contracts of some of the current squad.
PNE boss Simon Grayson on the touchline in the 1-0 defeat to DerbyPNE boss Simon Grayson on the touchline in the 1-0 defeat to Derby
PNE boss Simon Grayson on the touchline in the 1-0 defeat to Derby

The PNE manager watched his side slip to a third league defeat of the season last night, with them beaten 1-0 by Derby County at Deepdale – the Rams scoring their winner in the 87th minute.

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Grayson has areas of the squad he wants to improve, with a replacement for Garner and a right-back among the priorities.

A deal to take Garner to Rangers for a reported £1.7m fee is set to be concluded by the end of the week.

North End have agreed a fee with the Ibrox outfit and the structure of the deal.

The 28-year-old striker is due to have a medical in Glasgow on Thursday and finalise personal terms.

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Grayson said: “Joe has been a fantastic servant for Preston and is a fans’ favourite, so the supporters will be disappointed to see him go.

“But he is not the first fans’ favourite to leave a football club and this club has to move on.

“Without questions, there will be additions before the window shots, while contracts of existing players will be extended over the next few days, I’m sure of that.

“The money we will get for Joe and his wages – if it goes through – will be used to improve the squad for this season, next season and beyond that.

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“If it goes through, I thank Joe for what he has done here, he has been a friend and a fantastic footballer.

“It is now about this group of players and what they can do in the months ahead.

“I expect Joe’s deal to be done in the next 48 hours or so, there’s a reason why it won’t happen until then but it will get done.”

Grayson says North End were in the market for players before Rangers made their move for Garner.

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“We had a bid of £500,000 accepted for Donald Love by Manchester United last week, that shows our intent,” said Grayson.

“I will guarantee we will bring players in, it is about getting the right ones and we will get the right ones.

“Teams in the Premier League where we are looking, and in the Championship even, are making sure they have their squads together.

“So whether something is done before the weekend or before we go to Ipswich, we will get players in.”

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Grayson used Jermaine Beckford and Eoin Doyle up front last night, with Jordan Hugill and Simon Makienok coming on as subs later.

Those four can expect a new addition among their ranks.

Said Grayson: “We will look for an attacking players, whether it is someone who can play off the striker, off the sides or as an out-and-out striker.

“We’ve got a couple of target men in Simon and Jordan who can play Joe’s role to a certain degree, so we might look for something different in attack.”