In the meantime, record numbers of football fans have been taking to Football Manager to get their fix. For a bit of fun, we've fired up the popular management sim and sent the game into the future to have a peek at who Preston are predicted to sign over the next three transfer windows.
1. Diego Capel - Free transfer
Well, some bad news first up - FM predicts Preston won't get promoted. We begin in the 2020 summer transfer window, with new boss (yep) Chris Hughton landing the ex-Sevilla star on a free transfer.
2. Toni Martinez - Famalicao - 1.7 million
Oh, now this is an interesting move. Plucked from the Portuguese second tier, the ex-West Ham flop is back in England with a point to prove. He's a striker, and gets the number nine shirt.
3. Paolo Fernandez - Manchester City - 4.4 million
Crikey, the Lilywhites are splashing the cash, as Hughton brings in his third signing of the summer. The attacking midfielder is fresh off the back of a fine loan spell with Perugia.
4. Kevin Stewart - Free transfer
The defensive midfielder was brought in after being released upon his contract expiry. He's previously been at Spurs and Liverpool, and boasts some very strong attribute stats.