Jonson Clarke-Harris is a name often linked with North End over the last year, and it’s happened again today.
There have been suggestions on Twitter that Preston are really interested in Bristol Rovers striker Clarke-Harris, but let’s dig into what these new reports actually say.
Bristol Live claim that Preston are one of 10 Championship teams to have been scouting Clarke-Harris at some point this season. There’s no claim of a bid being considered, there’s no great indication that North End still want him, but he’s at least been watched.
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Bristol Rovers allegedly want around £2million for Clarke-Harris; that’s their valuation, not necessarily what Preston want to spend. The only bid Rovers have received was last summer, when Hull City offered £450,000.
So that’s that; Preston have scouted Clarke-Harris, and that’s as far as it’s gone. North End scouts may well have been impressed with Clarke-Harris, as he’s scored 12 goals in 26 games for Rovers this season.
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Clarke-Harris has some attributes that Preston would love; he’s big and well-built, but also quick and deadly in front of goal. At 25, he still has some potential to get even better too.
However, Clarke-Harris has often been accused of being lazy or a bad influence, and he would have to press effectively to lead the line at Preston. His nomadic career – nine clubs by the age of 25, even if some were loans – is also a red flag, as the striker has failed to really settle anywhere.
His form with Bristol Rovers is the best it has been in years, so he will probably earn a move somewhere based off his clear talent, but his application will determine his success. At £2million though, don’t expect Deepdale to be his destination.