Preston North End transfer deadline day: Live updates and rumours as Fulham star is linked

We’re into the final day of the January transfer window and PNE have not categorically counted themselves out of being active today, so we live in hope.

North End are after a forward players, be it an attacking midfielder, wide player or someone to play off the strikers, but will a move materialise?

Tom Cannon was the first man through the door this month, joining 10 days into the January transfer window.

The Everton loanee was linked with a move to PNE well before it happened and has since gone on to make three appearances for his new club.

He is yet to score his first goal for North End but is already showing signs that he is a positive addition and has plenty to offer going into the second half of the season.

Liam Delap quickly followed Tom Cannon through the door at Deepdale, another striker and another loan.

Delap had spent the first half of the season on loan in the Championship with Stoke City but North End swooped in to take the Manchester City youngster on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old, who has already played Champions League football for his parent club, got an early debut off the bench, coming on after half an hour against Norwich City with his side 3-0 down.

Like Cannon, he’s shown early promise but still goes in search of his first goal, and was cup tied for North End’s last game against Tottenham in the FA Cup.

Josh Onomah is being linked with a move to PNE this morning, another midfielder North End could add to their ranks.

But how does another player in the middle of the park fit into the squad when it is, and has been, one of the most packed areas for some time?

Well, manager Ryan Lowe wanted an attacking-minded player if he was to sign someone, and Onomah fits into that category.

He wants someone that can play out wide or as an attacking midfielder, the latter suits him. Alan Browne has also recently been moved away from the middle to right wing back and is seen as an option there for the forseeable future, freeing up a spot.

Lowe also said that the deal must suit the Lilywhites and with his contract cancelled at Fulham over the last day, he can now move for nothing, only his wages must fit into PNE’s structure.

With three outgoings so far - Sean Maguire, Mikey O’Neill and Adam O’Reilly - and the club working on a fourth - Matthew Olosunde - there is room in the budget for PNE to bring one more in should they feel the right deal has come about.

Reports are suggesting that’s the case, with the 25-year-old now available. He has experience at the top level, with 24 appearances in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, and he has also won promotion from the Championship twice with the latter.

At 25, North End could potentially tie him down for his peak years and allow him to settle into a new home, with the former England youth international highly rated when coming through the ranks at White Hart Lane.

Josh Onomah has officially had his contract cancelled at Fulham, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Onomah has been linked with a move to Deepdale but it is being reported that there are half a dozen sides vying for his signature.

North End have allowed three players so far to leave the club in January, the most high profile being Sean Maguire.

Maguire had spent five-and-a-half season at PNE before making the move to Coventry City for an undisclosed fee.

PNE were fortunate in that there was not much in the way of a pay off for the Irishman, who has a chance to prove himself at the Sky Blues between now and the end of the season.

The 28-year-old scored 24 times whilst in PR1.

It’s now being reported that North End’s chase for Josh Onomah is advancing, with the former Fulham midfielder travelling to Lancashire to undergo a medical.

It is also reported that he has agreed a deal to join PNE.

Mikey O’Neill is the only other senior player to have gone out so far this month.

The youngster, who has been a part of the North End first team squad for the last year, has gone out to Grimsby Town in League Two on loan, and started his first game for them just hours after his move was announced.

It is a huge opportunity for the 18-year-old to show he’s up to being a first team regular in the EFL.

Preston North End have confirmed the signing of Josh Onomah on a free transfer.

Onomah signs a short term deal until the end of the season, ending his five-and-a-half hour search for a new club after having his contract at Fulham cancelled earlier this afternoon.

Speaking to the PNE website after signing for the club, Onomah said: “I’m someone who enjoys football and I believe if a manager shares that same interest then that’s something that will definitely persuade me to come. “He’s told me his philosophy and everything he does, and that’s made me want to come.”

More on Onomah’s move can be found here.