Preston’s right wing back pursuit is up in the air once again with a move for free agent Cyrus Christie seemingly off the table.
North End went into this summer desperately needing wing backs on both sides of the pitch to play in Ryan Lowe’s 3-5-2.
Robbie Brady is in on the left side but there will be fears over his durability after injury problems over the last five years.
On the right side, Preston only really have Brad Potts and he isn’t even a natural in that role.
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Cyrus Christie had been heavily linked but Lancs Live now claim that the free agent won’t be joining Preston after leaving Fulham this summer.
That leaves North End desperately needing a right wing back from elsewhere with time running out before the start of the new season.
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With Christie off the table, here are some other options Preston can look at to fill a key role in Lowe’s side…
Tommy Smith
A free agent this summer after leaving Stoke City. Has experience of playing at wing back in the Championship and certainly fits the ‘robust’ type having made over 30 league appearances in each of the last three seasons. Hails from Warrington so a move back to the North West may appeal, but he is currently on trial at Middlesbrough, who will be more appealing than North End.
Chiedozie Ogbene
The Rotherham star has the pace and trickery that Lowe would love in that area. With four goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Ogbene helped Rotherham secure promotion and he has become an established Ireland international. Played at Cork alongside Seani Maguire and has just one year left on his Rotherham deal.
Jamie Shackleton
The Leeds talent is seemingly available for loan this summer; The Athletic report that three Championship clubs are interested in signing Shackleton. With experience of playing at right back and in midfield, Shackleton suits Lowe’s previous penchant for turning midfielders into wing backs and a loan to Preston should appeal given the playing time on offer.
Marlon Fossey
Linked with Preston earlier in the window, Fossey is now in a tricky spot. Not wanted at Fulham and seemingly not rejoining Bolton now they have signed Conor Bradley on loan from Liverpool, Fossey’s options are shrinking. Quick, exciting on the ball but with a concerning injury record, Fossey would be a gamble.
Kaine Kesler Hayden
Preston have strong ties to Aston Villa thanks to Lowe’s friendship with Steven Gerrard. North End helped develop Cameron Archer during his loan spell from Villa and Preston could absolutely do the same for Kesler Hayden. The 19-year-old proved himself as a quality attacking threat with Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons last season and the next logical step may be a Championship loan.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy
Another Premier League talent who excelled on loan last season, Arsenal’s Norton-Cuffy showed great potential at Lincoln City. Strong and able to carry the ball forward, Norton-Cuffy is likely to be available on loan again this summer and he could be ideal competition for Potts at right wing back.