Owner confirms player in Preston talks, summer signing may go the other way

Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt has taken to Twitter to confirm that Connor Ripley is in talks with Preston today.

North End are in the market for another goalkeeper having allowed Chris Maxwell to join Charlton Athletic on loan yesterday.

Suspicions were raised that Middlesbrough-owned Ripley is Deepdale-bound yesterday, as he suddenly started following North End on Twitter.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Preston for a couple of months now, and a deal appears to be close.

Ripley has been impressing out on loan at Accrington Stanley, and their owner Holt has been asked about the deal.

Holt has subsequently admitted on Twitter that Ripley is in talks with Preston today, with a move close.

Connor it talks with @pnefc today. https://t.co/X2gX90t03c

— Andyh (@AndyhHolt) January 9, 2019

That would be a huge blow for Stanley, but they could still land themselves a new goalkeeper out of the deal.

The Lancashire Telegraph report that Stanley could sign North End goalkeeper Michael Crowe on loan to replace Ripley.

The Welshman, 23, joined North End from Ipswich Town over the summer, primarily as a third-choice keeper.

Crowe did though start against Doncaster Rovers on Sunday, turning in a dismal performance.

It would certainly serve North End well to send Crowe out on loan, giving him first-team football and a chance to develop.

The returning to Matthew Hudson would then be able to serve as third-choice keeper, with Ripley and Rudd fighting for first-team football.