PNE in race for wide man

Preston North End have checked out Bolton Wanderers winger Liam Feeney as they look to add some creativity to the squad ahead of the transfer deadline.
Preston have been linked with a move for Bolton wide man Liam Feeney (right)Preston have been linked with a move for Bolton wide man Liam Feeney (right)
Preston have been linked with a move for Bolton wide man Liam Feeney (right)

The Trotters face losing a number of players due to their dire finances and Feeney is among those being linked with a move away,

However, it is understood that, as things stand, his wages are beyond what PNE would be prepared to pay.

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Having recently turned 29, Feeney also falls outside the age range of recent outfield signings made by North End.

Charlton, too, are interested in the London-born player who can play on the right wing or in a central role.

Bolton boss Neil Lennon seems keen to hang on to Feeney despite the cutbacks his club are having to make.

Lennon said: “He does have his critics but I’m not one of them because he gives me everything every week.

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“He keeps going. His fitness levels are unbelievable and the chasing back he did at times was fantastic, as were some of the crosses he put into the box.

“Liam will contribute with a goal here and there as well, so in a really tough season he can be pleased with his overall contribution.

“He is an important part of my team.”

It is the top end of the pitch which North End are looking to strengthen ahead of the close of the transfer window on Monday night.

A striker rather than a winger would seem to be priority.

The Lilywhites continue to be linked with Walsall front man Tom Bradshaw, a player PNE boss Simon Grayson has admitted an interest in.

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Bradshaw, 23, has bagged 14 goals for the Saddlers this season, that haul in addition to the 20 he scored last term.

He joined Walsall from Shrewsbury in June 2014, having started his career at Welsh club Aberystwyth.

It could well be that the chase to land a striker goes close to the deadline.

Grayson said: “There is no question we are a man down up front with Will Keane having gone back to Manchester United.

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“And it was always an area where we were looking out for one anyway.

“It is not easy to get players up front because everyone wants them.

“Everyone wants players who will score you goals out of nothing or get on the end of things.

“This is a difficult window to get everyone you want. I’m sure most managers in the country want to add a quality striker to the books.”

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Joe Garner, Eoin Doyle and Jordan Hugill are currently available to play up front, while Callum Robinson can operate as a striker but is best used out wide.

Doyle, on loan from Cardiff City for the season, was linked recently with a permanent move to Deepdale during the window.

But North End are content with the current loan arrangement.