Boss Alex Neil bids to fine-tune his Preston squad

While the new season starts on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday, Neil has until the end of the month to tweak things.

The Lilywhites have made one signing since Neil came in, that being last week’s capture of Darnell Fisher.

Four summer deals were done before his arrival, Josh Harrop, Declan Rudd, Sean Maguire and Kevin O’Connor putting pen to paper.

As well as incoming deals, Neil says there is likely to be movement out too as numbers are kept in check.

Neil said: “We want to try to bring in a few more players to help the squad.

“Obviously once the games kick-off on Saturday, there will be lads here who might not be involved who think they want to go and play elsewhere.

“That is part and parcel of the game.”

Neil knows the budget he is operating with – one which is vastly different to some of the clubs in the Championship who have been throwing the cash around.

It might be that players with plenty of experience at this level remain out of range.

“The difficulty you have with experience is that it comes at a price, particularly quality experience,” said Neil.

“You can sign experienced players who have been around the leagues but we don’t want to sign journeyman players.

“We want to sign guys who are going to come in here and improve us.

“It is difficult because we know the transfer market is a real inflated one in terms of prices at the moment.

“It is about trying to find the right ones at the right price to help us.”

Neil is on the countdown to the campaign’s opener against Wednesday and should have the majority of his squad fit for the occasion.

“There isn’t really much of an injury-list now,” said Neil.

“Unfortunately what we do have is some players who haven’t got enough game time and training under their belts.

“In terms of actually being out, there is only Tom Clarke with his long-term injury.

“John Welsh has got a tight calf but that’s nothing to worry about, he will be fine.

“Paul Gallagher, Calum Woods and Jordan Hugill are all back training.”