Preston’s search for defensive additions means they are now taking a close look at trialist Bambo Diaby, formerly of this weekend’s opponents Barnsley.
You can see why North End want another centre back.
Patrick Bauer and Andrew Hughes are out of contract next summer, Paul Huntington could go and Sepp van den Berg is only on loan.
Planning ahead would be ideal, and Preston are now being proactive with a trial spell for Diaby.
Lancs Live note that Diaby has been impressing on trial at Preston, showing potential at Euxton.
Who is Preston trialist Bambo Diaby?
Diaby, 23, was born in Senegal but spent his formative years in Catalunya having moved at the age of four.
After a 2016 move to Sampdoria, Diaby ended up with Mantova, Peralada, Girona and Lokeren.
Barnsley pounced in 2019, handing Diaby a four-year deal.
Diaby is big, strong and more than willing to carry the ball out from the back – something that may appeal to Ryan Lowe.
Diaby also has outstanding pace for a defender, especially in his clip at 45 seconds.
When is Diaby’s ban over?
Diaby is currently a free agent because Barnsley terminated his contract in October 2020.
That’s because Diaby was given a two-year ban for doping, suspending him from all football-related activity.
It must be added that Diaby has always maintained his innocence.
The ban was backdated though, meaning that it ran from January 2020 until January 2022.
Diaby is now able to try and get fit and impress Preston ahead of potentially featuring in the second half of the season.
It’s also worth noting that Preston’s recruitment analyst James Beet was at Barnsley when Diaby was signed, which may be why the Spanish defender finds himself at Euxton now.