Preston North End join transfer scrap for ex-Huddersfield midfielder, Nottingham Forest join battle for £5m-rated sensation
Preston North End picked up a much-needed win on Wednesday evening, when they ground out a 1-0 win at St Andrew's against Birmingham City, with Scott Sinclair grabbing the all-important winning goal.
The big three points sees Alex Neil's side currently sitting in 10th place, and they'll be looking to kick-on and pick up some more wins as the chase for the play-off becomes ever more competitive.Discussing his side's chances of promotion, Preston's manager told the LEP: "We are 10th now, a bit outside the play-offs but we have done pretty well.“We need to get the new lads bedded in because next year – but hopefully this year – is going to be a big year for us.”Next up, the Lilywhites take on Reading at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon, and will be looking for a repeat performance of the 3-0 victory against the Royals they secured back in November.Meanwhile, the January transfer window continues to slowly liven up, and Preston have been linked with a number of arrivals and departures, having already landed Jayson Molumby, Ched Evans, Daniel Iversen in a busy month of wheeling and dealing.Here's our round-up of all the latest news and transfer stories involving Preston North End and their divisional rivals:
Cardiff City confirmed yesterday afternoon that manager Neil Harris had left the club with immediate effect. As things stand, ex-Wolves and Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy is the bookies' favourite to get the job. (Sky Bet)
Birmingham City have confirmed the signing of Rakeem Harper on a half-season loan deal from West Brom. The 20-year-old has made just two league appearances for the Baggies since their promotion to the top tier. (Club website)
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The likes of Cardiff City and QPR's hopes of signing Motherwell star Declan Gallagher have been dealt a blow, following reports the player will remain with the club until the summer, unless a "significant bid is received" (Daily Record)
Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers are believed to be chasing Bournemouth duo Nnamdi Ofoborh and Jack Simpson. However, they'll face competition from Charlton Athletic for the former, and Cardiff City for the latter. (Daily Echo)
Norwich City and Middlesbrough-linked striker Florian Kamberi could be set for a move to Germany, with second-tier side Bochum rumoured to be keen on bringing in the ex-Rangers man in on a loan deal. (Edinburgh Evening News)
QPR have been dealt a major injury blow, following confirmation that key player Tom Carroll is set to be out for the next three months, after tearing knee ligaments against Luton Town earlier in the month. (BBC Sport)
Celtic have been linked with a move for Stoke City outcast Tom Ince. However, Turkish side Goztepe could beat the Hoops to the £10m man, who began his career in the Liverpool youth academy. (Football League World)
Ex-Leeds United star Paul Robinson has urged the club to swoop for Derby County's £15m-starlet Louie Sibley, claiming Marcelo Bielsa would be the ideal coach to "mould" the 19-year-old into a future star. (MOT Leeds News)
A host of sides including Preston, Barnsley and Luton Town have all taken an interest in Gillingham captain Kyle Dempsey. The midfielder has scored four goals and made one assist so far this season. (Football Insider)
Nottingham Forest are looking to beat the likes of Rangers and Celtic to Peterborough sensation Siriki Dembele. Due to his contract expiring this summer, Forest could seal a loan-to-buy deal for just £250k. (Football Insider)
