Two more players linked with North End after impressing in League One

The transfer window hasn’t really got moving yet, but North End are being linked with a host of names.

Fans may already be getting annoyed at so many names being linked, but two more have been added to the list today. After all, Preston need to strengthen a number of positions.

One of those is centre back, with Paul Huntington’s future at Deepdale unclear. His disappointing season may lead to his exit, but height would be needed in his place.

We heard a couple of weeks ago that North End had an interest in Peterborough defender Ryan Tafazolli. He has good Football League experience at 27 and impressed in League One, but his contract is set to expire. Tall at 6ft 5in tall and left footed to offer competition for Ben Davies, Tafazolli ticks a number of boxes.

Now, Pete O’Rourke claims that North End do have an interest in Tafazolli. Hull City, Luton Town and Swansea City are also linked, with interest mounting due to his free agent status.

We believe that Tafazolli is just one on a list of defensive targets rather than a clear top target right now, but he’s certainly a name to keep an eye on.

The other name linked today is Newcastle United midfielder Daniel Barlaser. The Chronicle report that North End are keen on Barlaser, but Wigan Athletic are leading the race.

Barlaser, 22, needs first-team football now, and won’t be getting it at Newcastle. The former Turkey youth international impressed at Accrington Stanley this season, playing alongside Connor Ripley.

Young and creative, Barlaser could be a player for the future, but a loan move wouldn’t really aid North End. He doesn’t have the experience needed in midfield either, meaning this one seems less likely than Tafazolli.