Preston North End transfer latest as deal agreed and talks ongoing with Mansfield Town

The latest on the Preston North End transfer front

Preston North End have agreed a deal to sign a new goalkeeper, the Lancashire Post understands.

Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls | Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Lee Nicholls | Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

And it looks as though that man is Huddersfield Town’s Lee Nicholls, with journalist Alan Nixon suggesting that the 33-year-old is Deepdale bound. The Lancashire Post reported earlier this month that PNE were in positive talks with an experienced goalkeeper, and Nicholls fits that bill having made more than 400 first team appearances in his career.

Nicholls joined the Terriers in the summer of 2021 and extended his deal until 2028, last summer. He featured in 33 league games last season, taking his overall appearance tally to 178 for Huddersfield. The ex-MK Dons, Northampton and Wigan man has kept 118 clean sheets in his first team career, with 115 Championship outings to his name.

The expectation is that Dai Cornell will pen a contract extension and provide further back-up in Preston’s goalkeeping department. But, Liverpool-born Nicholls would represent the replacement for Jack Walton - who joined from Luton Town this time last year but has already moved on to Dundee United.

As far as further outgoings are concerned, Michael Smith is the main name in the frame with Mansfield Town showing interest in the experienced forward. Discussions are ongoing but it’s thought that the numbers do not work for all parties at present. Incomings wise, Preston have three others deals down the line but not yet concluded.

Elsewhere on the transfer front, Daniel Jebbison is being linked with a move to Lancashire rivals, Blackburn Rovers. It’s been reported that the Ewood Park outfit are close to sealing a loan deal with option-to-buy. The Canadian scored six goals for PNE last year but it’s thought North End have been exploring other options.

Another former Preston player is said to be on his way back to the Championship. Blackburn reportedly saw a bid rejected for Sam Greenwood and now, the ex-loan man looks bound for Bristol City, for £2million plus add-ons. There was suggestion of PNE being in the race but it’s believed that is wide of the mark. The move would see Greenwood link back up with ex-Leeds United coach, Michael Skubala, who is the new Bristol City boss.