Preston North End place 18-goal centre forward on summer transfer wish list

Preston North End are admirers of Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj, it’s understood.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom will seek attacking reinforcements this summer and if an exit transpires for Milutin Osmajic - who has 12 months left on his contract - then Tolaj is thought to be high on PNE’s wish list.

The 24-year-old was signed by the Pilgrims last summer and he provided 26 goal contributions in 33 league appearances. He scored 18 goals and assisted eight in the third tier, with a further four strikes netted in the EFL Trophy.

Tolaj has three years left on his deal and could be available for a fee around £3million. Born in Switzerland, he was picked up by Brighton’s academy in 2018 and had loan spells at Cambridge, Salford and Dundee, before joining Aldershot Town permanently in 2023.

A strong goal scoring season there saw him snapped up by Port Vale the summer after. He posted double figures for Vale and Plymouth triggered his £1.2m release clause last August. A host of clubs have been linked with him, including Leicester, Stoke, Celtic and Swansea.

Tolaj is left footed, six foot tall and turns 25 in October. Pilgrims boss Cleverley was firm when asked about the forward’s future at the back end of the season, with him and Aribim Pepple the subject of speculation.

Cleverley said: “I worked in the Championship for almost 18 months. There are not that many clubs that have got cash at their disposal, to the extent of the fees that we will be looking for.

"So it's realistic (they may stay), the players have got long contracts. It's the way modern day football is... rumour, speculation but ultimately, they have had a great season and they deserve to be linked with higher levels.

“But they are in long-term contracts and there aren’t that many clubs outside the Premier League that have those sort of fees to spend. They are our players until my phone goes, or Derek, Paul or Simon’s phone goes. Let’s see.”