Preston North End's transfer clock ticking if they are to be ready for the new Championship season

The Lilywhites have just one friendly left, against Leicester City on Saturday, to get any potential new players accustomed to their style of play and to get them integrated into the squad.

It will undoubtedly be a frustrating time for manager Ryan Lowe, who had spoken last weekend after the Accrington Stanley game about bringing in players before the Hearts game last night.

That has not happened and at this moment in time he is going into next season with no stronger a squad than he finished with last season.

That is not to say there has not been good work done, Robbie Brady looks to be a quality addition and Freddie Woodman is a permanent No.1 that PNE have needed after relying on the loan input of Daniel Iversen for 18 months.

Dai Cornell as back-up to Woodman was needed, but is not a major signing and Ben Woodburn is one who can play a squad role but as an ‘No.8’ in midfield, PNE are well stocked.

There remains interest in Callum Robinson but nothing has changed on that front, North End want to bring him in on loan and can do enough to cover his wages, but West Bromwich Albion are hoping for a permanent move for the Republic of Ireland international.

Speaking to the Express and Star in the Midlands, Baggies boss Steve Bruce said: "I keep hearing the rumblings but there is nothing to really report on it.

"They can make as much noise as they want but what they have got to do is put their money where their mouth is."

North End were also linked with a move with Dwight Gayle and though he fits the profile of forwards they’ve looked into so far this summer, that one appears wide of the mark.

They will get a little bit of extra cash from the 20 per cent sell-on clause from Ben Davies’ move to Liverpool, with the defender having now moved to Rangers, and that money does come back into the football side.

But time is running out to get new bodies in and settled before the new season starts.