Preston made two exciting signings before the transfer deadline, with Cardiff City winger Josh Murphy one of the players to arrive.
North End needed additions before the deadline, and just about beat the deadline to bring in two players who should improve Frankie McAvoy’s squad.
Winger Murphy has joined on loan until the end of the season, with St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann arriving on a permanent basis.
Naturally, the seven-figure deal for McCann has attracted all the attention, but Murphy also looks like being a very exciting addition.
The 26-year-old cost Cardiff a huge £11million in 2018, and has recorded 14 goals and 11 assists in 99 games for the Bluebirds.
Quick and able to play on either flank, Murphy is primarily a winger but can also play through the middle when needed.
Murphy’s contract expires at the end of the season, so there is a real chance that Preston can sign Murphy on a free transfer at the end of his loan move.
With Premier League and Championship experience, Murphy represents a player who can make an instant impact and is something of a departure from Preston’s usual approach in the transfer market.
Cardiff fans have been taking to Twitter to react to Murphy’s move, suggesting that Mick McCarthy is making a ‘huge mistake’ in letting one of Cardiff’s quickest players leave.
Others called the move ‘bizarre’, ‘a joke’ and a ‘shambles’, believing that sending Murphy away for the final year of his contract is ’embarrassing’.