Preston’s incoming business was done and dusted some weeks ago now, but some players could still leave.
North End may have hoped to get some players out on loan after the English deadline, but injuries have halted those ideas. Still, Connor Simpson is one player who could head off on loan.
The centre forward has still only made one first-team appearance for North End, despite arriving from Hartlepool United over 18 months ago.
Even with North End struggling for strikers right now, Simpson hasn’t been given a chance. The 19-year-old spent time on loan at Hyde United last season, scoring eight goals in 14 games.
A loan to League Two side Carlisle United followed, where he showed some promise too. The 6ft 5in striker needs games now, and another move could materialise.
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TEAMtalk claim that Hearts and Hibernian both want to take Simpson to Edinburgh, making contact about a move. League One and League Two sides are also keen, with North End seemingly inundated with offers.
We’re assuming it would be a loan, but it wouldn’t be that much of a surprise if North End were open to a permanent move. Simpson hasn’t got any closer to to the first team, so selling him on may be a possibility.
A move to Hibs would of course see him reunite with Chris Maxwell. The Welsh goalkeeper is currently on loan at Hibs too, and that prior link with the two teams may help Paul Heckingbottom’s side secure a deal.
Scottish clubs have until midnight tomorrow to get a deal done, whereas League One or League Two teams only have until 5pm. It promises to be an interesting 24 hours for Simpson, who may well be on the move.