When Preston loaned out Josh Earl on Saturday, it was seemingly with the guarantee of a new left back coming in.
North End sent Earl out to Bolton Wanderers, with the idea of him playing first-team football. Sadly, Earl suffered a major ankle injury just minutes into his debut.
Additionally, North End’s hopes of signing a new left back appear to be taking a blow. Last week, Derby County’s Max Lowe was eyed up as a potential signing.
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However, Brentford have entered the race, and it seems that they’re blowing North End out of the battle anyway.
Football Insider claim that their £1.5million bid for Lowe has been rejected, with Derby whacking a £2million asking price on his head.
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After spending £2million on Tom Bayliss, it’s unlikely that North End will go anywhere close to that figure, and would appear to be out of the race now.
The Lancashire Evening Post have added to the claim, reporting that Preston made a bid for Lowe last week. That offer was rejected, and it’s unlikely that Alex Neil and co will move again.
With those two reports in mind, it seems that Lowe won’t be heading to Deepdale this summer. The 22-year-old would have been an exciting addition at left back, offering more pace and attacking intent than Andrew Hughes.
North End are likely to be priced out now though, and with Earl injured for three months, it’s imperative that a new left back is signing before Thursday’s transfer deadline.