PNE aiming to do the business

Simon Grayson is looking forward to blending some summer signings in with the existing Preston North End squad in order to build on their solid return to the Championship.
Simon Makienok could be joining Preston North EndSimon Makienok could be joining Preston North End
Simon Makienok could be joining Preston North End

The Lilywhites manager has to date snapped up goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, with the loan signing of striker Simon Makienok soon to be completed.

Danish front man Makienok is set to join from Italian club Palermo for the season, having spent last term on loan at Charlton.

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Other positions need filling, with North End linked with a number of players in the last couple of weeks as they spread the net in their search for the right ones at the right price.

Grayson told the Evening Post: “There is always going to be speculation, with us being linked with wanting to sign X,Y and Z.

“We try and do our business quietly in-house and get everything done before shouting about it.

“When trying to sign players, it has got to be the right deal financially.

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“There are some players I would love to sign but I know they are beyond our budget.

“We had a really good season last time and the core of those players are here ready to do that again.

“The work is going on to add to the group, to keep on improving the squad as we have done in every transfer window we’ve been here.

“Looking at the squad, the strongest position at the moment is central midfield, with us having plenty of options in there.

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“We need a wide player, strikers, a goalkeeper and probably another defender.

“We’ll see where we go in terms of who is available and who might become available as the summer goes on.

“On top of the signings we make, we will have Chris Humphrey back from injury and Jermaine Beckford available after he played in those last few games.

“Liam Grimshaw will be available for pre-season training and Stevie May will eventually be back.

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“With them coming back into the fold, with the players we already have and with some new signings, it will be a very competitive squad.”

Grayson was pleased to get the deal for Maxwell done early, the goalkeeper agreeing to join within a few days of the end of last season.

He has signed a three-year contract which takes effect from July 1.

With another shot-stopper on the wanted list, there will be some good competition for the gloves.

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Said Grayson: “We took the decision to release Chris Kirkland as we wanted to bring in a younger keeper.

“Chris Maxwell played a lot of football at Fleetwood and was successful, so to get him here was a good piece of business.

“Getting a signing done early always helps and I’m looking forward to working with Chris.

“He knows that we are after another keeper, it is a position we want to be strong in.”