Preston North End rumours: PNE key man provides contract update, Al Hilal have 'no intention' of raising £15m bid for Championship star
Preston North End played out a 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Tuesday, as they prepare to kick-off the Championship season next weekend.
By Molly Burke
Published 29th Jul 2021, 11:49 BST
Updated 29th Jul 2021, 12:02 BST
Preston North End star Tom Barkhuizen was pleased to be back playing as a striker during the friendly, after operating as a wing-back during Preston’s pre-season games – mainly due to gaining fitness rather than manager Frankie McAvoy believing this was his best position.
Barkhuizen moved up top alongside Ched Evans against Man City to add a bit of pace to Evans’ hold-up play.
"Frankie has said that he would rather play me further forward,” Barkhuizen said.
"I’ve probably been playing wing-back in pre-season because of the numbers and trying to give people fair minutes on the pitch. Matty Olosunde has been injured as well so I’ve been filling in.
"I’ve said before I would rather play further forward and I think Ched and myself compliment each other well.”
5. Notts Forest out of race for French forward due to his wage demands
Rumours of Nottingham Forest being interested in M’Baye Niang are reportedly incorrect. The player’s wage demands are thought to rule the Reds out of the race. (Alan Nixon) Photo: Paolo Bruno
6. Notts Forest yet to reach Dutch midfielder's price tag after bids are rejected.
Zian Flemming is said to be keen on a move to Notts Forest, however Fortuna Sittard are said to have placed a very high transfer fee on his head. The Reds are understood to have made more than one bid for the 22-year-old. (Nottinghamshire Live) Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
7. Fulham table bid for Middlesbrough target as race heats up for his signature
Fulham have reportedly tabled a bid for Middlesbrough target, Rodrigo Muniz. Boro have already met emissaries from Flamengo in Portugal on Monday to discuss the possible move. (Inside Futbol) Photo: Wagner Meier
8. Blades could face rejection in attempt to sign Liverpool youngster
Sheffield United could struggle to get a deal over the line for Harvey Elliott this summer, with any advances for the youngster likely to be rejected by Liverpool. (The Athletic) Photo: Clive Brunskill