Preston have been eyeing Dujon Sterling but the Chelsea defender is now set for a medical with Alex Neil’s Stoke City side.
North End have been crying out for a right wing back throughout the summer but still haven’t secured a new signing there.
The list of names linked with filling that role has been growing and growing, but all the names have ended up joining other clubs.
Moses Odubajo went to Aris Thessaloniki, Cyrus Christie has joined Hull City and Ethan Laird has signed for Queens Park Rangers.
Fans remain hopeful of a late deal for a right wing back but another target is heading elsewhere.
Preston have fancied Chelsea talent Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Blackpool.
Lancs Live noted in mid-July that Sterling was a name on Preston’s radar.
Lancs Live then reported earlier this week that Preston were still looking towards Sterling as a possible signing before the deadline.
However, Sterling has become just another name in that list of right wing backs who won’t be playing for Preston.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Sterling has decided to join Stoke City on loan for the season.
Sterling is heading for a medical with the Potters and has – in a real kicker for North End – picked Stoke after talks with new boss Alex Neil.
Neil was let go as North End boss in 2021 and will surely love to have secured this signing.
It’s added that Sterling was attracted to Stoke because of their Premier League history, quality infrastructure and real desire to win promotion back to the top flight.
Preston usually find it difficult to compete with clubs like Stoke, who have considerably bigger budgets.
Other factors appear to have been key for Sterling though, and not signing the Chelsea man will only add to the belief that Preston won’t be signing a right wing back at all this summer.