Kevin Kilbane names Preston North End's biggest transfer priority ahead of January window

The January transfer window is approaching but remains some weeks away.

Kevin Kilbane believes the forward line is where Preston North End need to strengthen the most in the January transfer window.

placeholder image — Graham Alexander applauds the fans

Preston may have had a record outlay in a single window last summer when they made four of their five most expensive signings ever, including record signing Alfie Devine, but they remain light in key areas.

A litany of injuries haven’t helped matters, either, with Graham Alexander largely having to work with what he’s got since taking charge in September.

The new North End boss has managed to make one signing, though, with hard-working midfielder Greg Docherty joining on a free transfer.

The manager will almost certainly want to put more of his own stamp on the squad when the transfer window opens again in the new year, and local lad Kilbane believes the forward line is where he should focus.

“The teams that do well in the Championship are the top scorers, rather than the best defensive sides,” Kilbane told The Post, with thanks to BetBrain.

“The most attacking teams tend to fare better, and Preston aren’t in that conversation at the moment. Their attacking players haven’t clicked, which could make for a really tough season.

“I think attack is the area in which they really need to strengthen. Creativity and goals have always been key in the Championship and they’re lacking in both areas at the moment.”

Retired footballer Kevin Kilbane was born and raised in Preston. After starting his career with North End, he also had spells with the likes of Sunderland, Everton and Wigan Athletic.

Preston are missing good chances which have been costly

The frustrating thing for Preston is they have actually created a decent number of chances, they have just often been unable to put them away.

With just 13 goals so far this season, North End are the joint-lowest scorers alongside fellow relegation rivals Watford and Charlton.

However, Preston rank higher than both those sides, and others, when it comes to xG. In fact, Preston sit 19th in the table on accumulated xG, with 17.03. That’s more than Watford, Blackburn Rovers, 3rd-placed Stoke City, Charlton and Derby County.

But, as a result, Preston are the biggest underperformers on xG and have struggled to convert great chances when they come their way.

Alexander may have picked up his first win over Southampton on Saturday, but it took a Jordan Thompson wonder volley with an xG of 0.03 to secure the three points, while Devine, Thierry Small and Delano Burgzorg all squandering much better chances.

Preston can’t rely on sensational goals to win every game. They create good chances in most matches, now they need to start taking them as it’s still months before reinforcements can arrive.