Who is Jayden Meghoma? Preston North End linked with Brentford starlet backed for big things by Thomas Frank

Preston North End have been on the search for a left wing-back and a new name has emerged.

It’s suggested by journalist Alan Nixon that the Lilywhites are swooping for Brentford starlet Jayden Meghoma. The Lancashire Post has reported that bolstering the left side is the priority for Preston and it’s understood that things have moved in the right direction this week.

PNE have had a handful of targets while overseas duo Junior Rosales and Emir Karic have been linked elsewhere in the media. A loan deal was always believed to be likely though and Meghoma is said to have been given the green light to exit temporarily.

He joined Brentford in the summer from Southampton and penned a four-year contract. Meghoma, 18, came through the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur and then the Saints. He made his Premier League debut for the Bees in mid-December, away to Chelsea.

Meghoma - whose contract contains a two-year option - received a glowing assessment from Brentford boss Thomas Frank upon signing. The Danish coach was over the moon to secure his signature and sees the teenager as someone with huge potential.

“A player we have big belief in.”

“I’m very pleased with this signing,” said head coach Thomas Frank. “Jayden is an England youth international and one of the biggest left-back talents this country has. Again, we had competition from other clubs, so we are definitely doing something right.

“I like Jayden’s offensive ability - he is quick, has good one-on-one skill and can cross – and he has good defensive ability as well. He is adaptable and can play outside or inside full-back. There is still a lot he can learn, but Jayden is a player we have big belief in. He can help us this season and in the future.”

Meghoma also turned out three times for Brentford in the Carabao Cup this season - against Leyton Orient, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United. The England Under-19 international has enjoyed his time at the club so far.

Speaking to the match day programme earlier this season, he said: “Thomas was the main factor (in signing), he just sold it to me. The support he gives to all the players is really, really good. What he said to me convinced me and he’s been fantastic.

"I think it was his plan for me and how he tailored it individually to me in terms of what he could help me with and what he thinks I’m excellent at. It was also about what he thinks I could get better at, now and in the future. The way he had that individual care for a player, it’s something I’d not seen before.”