Rangers are keen on Livingston striker Lyndon Dykes according to The Scottish Sun, but it’s certainly time for Preston to join the race for his services given that Seani Maguire, David Nugent and Jayden Stockley have no only struggled for goals, but also struggled to show that they’re ideal fits for Alex Neil’s style.
The Gers chose to sign Florian Kamberi in January instead of Dykes, and it seems inevitable that he will leave in the summer after an impressive season at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
Dykes, 24, was at his best again on Wednesday night. Having tormented Celtic back in October with a superb display against Christopher Jullien, which included a delicately lobbed goal over Fraser Forster, Dykes was it at again last night.
Dykes once again got the better of £7m defender Jullien, not only battling against him in the air and evading him with his movement, but then skipping past him to set up Scott Robinson’s goal in a 2-2 draw between Livi and the Bhoys.
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This sums up Dykes’ game; his awareness inside the final third is impressive, and whilst he could have gone for goal from a tight angle, he picked out a smart pass to set up a goal; his assist tally for the season now stands at 10, a rather impressive record for a centre forward.
Dykes has also added 12 goals in all competitions, showing his ability not only in front of goal, but also in terms of linking up the play and making the right decisions in the final third.
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He’s is big and physical at 6ft 2in tall, but he’s also quick and hard-working, all of which are key attributes North End have been seeking since selling Jordan Hugill to West Ham United in January 2018.
Dykes’ aggressive streak and willingness to press makes him ideal for Alex Neil’s style, whilst he’s already shown his aerial ability and his ability to bring others into play, which is another key facet of Preston’s style.
Some may worry about going into the market for another Scottish Premiership striker, as Louis Moult and Stevie May maybe didn’t quite live up to expectations at Deepdale, but shutting off markets wouldn’t be a wise move given North End’s limited recruiting range.
Dykes has shown the attributes Preston are looking for in terms of the all-round, hard-working forward with pace and aerial ability, and with an Australian cap surely on way soon, his stock is surely set to rise, and at just 24 he has the potential to get even better too.
Livingston may not be able to turn down considerable offers this summer, and if Preston aren’t looking at Dykes – an absolute nuisance of a striker who fits the Preston mould perfectly – then they certainly should be.