Preston North End midfielder Josh Harrop is interesting Ipswich as the Lilywhites look to complete a deal for Ben Whiteman

Harrop, 25, has been limited to eight appearances this season, with only one start in the Championship.

A loan would give the former Manchester United man a chance to get a run of first-team football under his belt.

For North End, an outgoing move from the squad would be of benefit as they look to adhere to the 25-man squad rule in the Championship.

They will look to complete Ben Whiteman's move to Deepdale today, with the midfielder's arrival taking the squad numbers up to 26.

A sticking point with a potential loan for Harrop is how much of his wages Ipswich or any other interested club in League One, could afford to pay.

Clubs in League One and League Two are subject to a salary cap which doesn't leave a lot of spare cash to pay a contribution to wages.

North End signed Harrop from United in June 2017 and he's spent a great deal of time on the bench since.

He's made 31 league starts and come off the bench 52 times.

Harrop missed much of the 2018/19 season after tearing his cruciate ligament.

PNE are in the final stages of landing Whiteman, having had a bid accepted by Doncaster.

It is understood the player underwent a medical last night ahead of the formalities of the move being completed.

When Whiteman puts pen to paper, PNE will have 26 players aged 21 and above - they can only register a 25-man squad with the EFL.

So a loan deal for Harrop, or indeed others on the squad's fringes, would free up space.

North End made three loan signings last week, bringing in Jayson Molumby, Ched Evans and Daniel Iversen.

In terms of the numbers in the squad, the new arrivals have replaced injured trio Patrick Bauer, Louis Moult and Declan Rudd.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here