Preston North End could deal Everton transfer blow, Blackburn eye £6m Premier League forward
Preston North End's pre-season campaign came to a close last Friday, with a 3-2 defeat to Wigan Athletic.
The Lilywhites went into half-time a goal down, but pulled level thanks to a Tendayi Darikwa own-goal. The hosts then found themselves 3-1 up, before Joe Rodwell-Grant hit back for Preston, but his side were unable to find an equalisier.
Speaking after the game, Preston boss Frankie McAvoy revealed: “We knew it was going to be a tough game against a League One team who have brought in quite a few good players. We watched them against Stoke when they beat them 2-1.
“I felt it was a chance to see us play 4-3-3, see how we looked with wingers and a back four.
“I thought we started really well, moved the ball well. The disappointing thing was Wigan scored with their first attempt, we needed to be a bit better defensively.”
He added: “The biggest plus for me was Alan Browne's performance, he was excellent. I thought he looked back to the way that I know he is capable of being, I was really pleased with him.
“Patrick Bauer got 90 minutes while young Sepp van den Berg went in as a left-sided centre-back and got an opportunity.
“Joe Rafferty and Josh Earl were the full-backs, while I got Scotty Sinclair into a wide area where he seems more at ease in terms of playing. When we got Scotty on the ball, I thought he looked dangerous.”
Preston will now focus on their opening game of the season - a home clash against recently promoted Hull City this Saturday.
We’ve gathered the best of today’s transfer speculation below…
1. Hammers favourites to sign Pereira
West Ham have been named the firm, odds-on favourite to land West Brom star Matheus Pereira, ahead of Leicester City. The Brazilian sensation is expected to leave the Hawthorns this summer, following his side's relegation to the Championship. (SkyBet)
Photo: GLYN KIRK
2. Terriers land Lees
Huddersfield Town have completed the signing of ex-Sheffield Wednesday ace Tom Lees. The 30-year-old has racked up close to 400 second tier appearances during his career, and began his career on the books at Leeds United. (Club website)
Photo: Alex Pantling
3. Terriers want eight-figures for star midfielder
Leeds United have been quoted a £10m asking price for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O'Brien, reports have suggested. The Whites have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, who made 42 Championship appearances last season. (The 72)
Photo: George Wood
4. Sky Blues takes Souare on trial
Coventry City have handed a trial to ex-Crystal Palace man Pape Souare. The Senegal international has been without a club for a year, but secure a move back to the Championship should the Sky Blues decide to hand him a contract. (Coventry Telegraph)
Photo: Mike Hewitt