Preston may be in the market for a striker this summer, but it’s unlikely that any move will be in the pipeline right now.
The global pandemic will have hit transfer budgets across the country, and North End – famously frugal and smart with their money – are unlikely to throw money around.
Still, a couple of rumours have emerged of late. One of them came last weekend, as TEAMtalk claimed that Preston are in the race to sign Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor.
The 30-year-old striker has hit 11 goals this season, but his record for the Addicks stands at 36 goals in 67 games for Charlton. He will become a free agent this summer, which may appeal to North End.
Taylor is big and strong, whilst also having the pace to fit the athletic profile of what Alex Neil likes up front. However, some may have reservations about him given that he is refusing to play for Charlton when football returns, fearing that he may pick up an injury.
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The initial report noted that Preston face major competition. Burnley, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Stoke, Middlesbrough and Rangers were also in the race, many of whom could spend more than North End in terms of wages.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Taylor has a ‘huge’ offer on the table. Galatasaray have allegedly offered to quadruple Taylor’s wages, handing him a money-spinning move to Turkey.
It’s unclear how much Taylor earns at Charlton, but it’s reasonable to think that Galatasaray’s offer may reach around £30,000 to £40,000-a-week. There is no chance of North End coming close to that, and quite frankly, fans probably wouldn’t want them to.
It seems unlikely that Taylor will end up at North End this summer, as taking on Rangers and Burnley would have been tough enough without Galatasaray joining the race.