Preston North End have still yet to make a new signing since the end of last season, but a new striker is the undoubted priority.
The global pandemic has likely eaten into North End’s transfer budget, meaning a permanent striker signing is now starting to look unlikely.
So what about the loan market? North End aren’t big users of the loan market under Alex Neil, having only brought in four loan signings in his three years the club.
Stephy Mavididi, Brandon Barker, Lukas Nmecha and Andre Green are the only loan signings Preston have made under Neil, and none have really been big successes.
Now though, Football Insider report that Preston have made a loan approach for Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis, in the hope of bringing him to Deepdale.
However, Derby County have also made a move, meaning North End face a battle to secure Davis on a season-long loan deal.
The 22-year-old came off the bench for Villa against Sheffield United on Monday, and then signed a new four-year contract on Tuesday.
James Nursey from The Mirror now claims that Villa don’t plan to loan Davis out, unless they bring in another striker.
Ollie Watkins has been brought in, but with Mbwana Samatta off to Fenerbahce, Davis is still needed at Villa Park.
If Preston are to sign Davis – who fits the bill as a mobile, physical and hard-working striker – then it may well be a deal late into the window, and Derby’s interest doesn’t make matters any easier.