Preston want Dujon Sterling as Ryan Lowe’s search for a right wing back takes him to the Chelsea defender who spent last season at Blackpool.
The new Championship season is fast approaching but North End still haven’t managed to find a new right wing back.
Brad Potts took that role under Lowe last season and whilst he fared well, Preston do need a more natural option there.
A deal for Cyrus Christie seemingly won’t be happening and there have been suggestions of Matthew Olosunde saving his Preston career in that position.
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Lowe would surely rather have a new signing and it looks like Sterling is the latest target.
Preston want Dujon Sterling
Lancs Live report that Preston have expressed an interest in signing Sterling this summer.
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A loan is the preference for Sterling but a permanent move isn’t being ruled out for the 22-year-old.
First-team chances are hard to come by at Chelsea and with one year left on his contract, this may be the time for Sterling to leave, though Chelsea can extend that contract by a year.
Other clubs are interested in Sterling too but Preston are now trying their luck after his season in Lancashire last term.
Sterling spent last season on loan at bitter rivals Blackpool, making 24 league appearances in the process.
Sterling didn’t register a goal or assist during his time with Blackpool and some have raised question marks about his attacking ability.
Yet metrics posted during the 2018-19 season – ironically published by Ram Srinivas from MRKT Insights, who now work closely with Preston – showed how Sterling was a real attacking threat on loan at Coventry City.
That data showed Sterling’s ability to carry the ball forward with great effect, and maybe Lowe thinks he can just refine Sterling’s end product.
Sterling is quick and very strong whilst his 1v1 defending caught the eye with Blackpool, so adding that consistent attacking threat could make him a star.
Sterling has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, maybe with the idea of a transfer coming soon.
Preston may now hope to win the race for Sterling, but other right wing backs are also on North End’s wish list.