'It all depends' - Ryan Lowe pinpoints key January transfer window factor for Preston North End

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe is not anticipating a flurry of business in next month's transfer window.

The Lilywhites brought eight players to the club in the summer - loan men Liam Millar and Calvin Ramsay along with permanent additions Duane Holmes, Will Keane, Jack Whatmough, Mads Frokjaer, Milutin Osmajic and Layton Stewart.

PNE's squad is not lacking numbers, but outgoings are always possible - whether it be fringe players moving on or those in the final six months of their deals getting picked off. Lowe's early expectations are for North End to potentially allow a couple of players to leave on loan, while staying on the look out for quality themselves.

"We've got a couple of options and ideas, but it all depends doesn't it?" said Lowe. "As I say, we've got 26 players and potentially 27/28 when everyone is available. So, I am not sitting here saying we need this or that. If something comes up that tickles our fancy and we think can help us, then fine. But, as you've seen, I think we've got two players for each position.

"If Layton does go out on loan, then it won't make a big difference - we've got Emil on the way back, which gives us four striker then lads who can play as false nines or tens. Patrick might look to get out and get some games, potentially. He's another one who is just not quite in the squad at the moment. But other than that, if one goes out then we'll maybe look to get someone in. As for the striking department, we're fine.

"We've got Emil coming back, which people will say is an old cliché of him being like a new striker. Depending on any other lads, who come and see me if they are not playing as many games as they'd like - we won't stand in anyone's way, providing it is right for the club and player. As we speak, the recruitment team will always have targets, but we are not sitting here saying we need to do this or that - we're quite relaxed on it."

On potential interest in PNE players, Lowe added last week: "I'm not sure! I don't think the phone has rung over any of our players. I think if it did, I'd know. We are not going to sell all of our team or players. We are aware of players being out of contract, of course. The discussions will start when they need to start, in terms of them staying with the football club and committing their futures to us. Whatever happens in the future happens and what will be will be with the transfer window - and players coming and going. When the time is right to talk about that if anything happens, then we'll do it."