More transfer window deals to be done says Preston North End boss Alex Neil

Four incoming deals have been done, Ben Whiteman, Jayson Molumby, Ched Evans and Daniel Iversen joining Neil’s squad.

The Lilywhites are looking at defensive options now, while they will need to lighten the numbers in the squad to comply with the 25-man limit rule.

In terms of more arrivals before the February 1 deadline, Neil said: “I wouldn’t rule it out, there are still a couple of areas we could strengthen.

“We have done our business well, Ben Whiteman and three loan deals.

“Sometimes you can use the loan market to your advantage and we have done that.”

When it comes to letting players out of Deepdale, Neil says there some in the squad who need to get game time elsewhere.

Even de-registering the long-term injured players leaves PNE top-heavy in terms of the 25-man limit – those players aged 21 and above and all loan players count towards the EFL-imposed limit.

Neil said: “We have had a lot of players here for a quite a long period of time.

“If you are a player who has not been playing for a while, not been in and around it, naturally you don’t want your career to stall.

“We don’t want their careers to stall either.

“I think we have got some different categories.

“Some are relatively young with time on their side and they need to experience playing, ready to come back here and compete.

“We have got other lads who might find themselves at the other end of the scale.

“They need to try and get regular football for the good of their career.

“We’ve got interest in certain players. I’m not discussing names, I’ll speak to the players we have interest in and we’ll go from there.”

On the injury front, Neil doubts that Declan Rudd will be back this season.

The goalkeeper had surgery this week after damaging a knee cartilage in training.

Iversen was signed as cover and could make his debut at Bristol City today, Connor Ripley having played in last week’s FA Cup clash with Wycombe.

“I don’t think Declan will feature again this season, that is probably his season done,” said Neil.

“It was an unopposed one, his knee got caught under him and unfortunately he has damaged it.

“Until the surgeon went in on Monday, we didn’t realise the extent of what Declan needed to have done. We knew it wasn’t a good one.”

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