Preston are expecting to sign a striker this month – and Morecambe hitman Cole Stockton is now being linked with a move to North End.
Football Insider report that Preston are interested in signing Stockton as they chase additional firepower in attack.
Barnsley, Oxford United and Rotherham Untied are also thought to be interested in signing Stockton this month.
Stockton is now into the final 18 months of his Morecambe deal and the Shrimps are now thought to be expecting bids.
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Stockton, 27, is enjoying the season of his life. Saturday’s winning goal against Wycombe Wanderers took his tally for the season to 20 goals in 30 games across all competitions.
Some Preston fans will recall that Stockton scored against Preston in the Carabao Cup back in August.
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Not only does Stockton hail from Merseyside just like new Preston boss Ryan Lowe, but the pair actually played together for Tranmere Rovers during the 2013-14 season.
Lowe should know Stockton well, but there are question marks over Stockton’s suitability for North End.
Stockton turns 28 in March, meaning there would likely be little resale value for the future.
Before this season, Stockton had only ever hit double figures in league goals once in his career – and that was last season with Morecambe.
Stockton has turned out for the likes of Tranmere, Vauxhall Motors, Southport, Hearts, Carlisle United and Wrexham without ever really excelling.
Now in the form of his life, there would be more than a few concerns that Stockton is in a purple patch that won’t really translate to the Championship.
With Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer set to join on loan, we can’t really see Stockton joining too – and his profile just doesn’t suit what Preston need right now.