Preston are attempting to bring in Manchester City striker Liam Delap – but now face a major battle with Anderlecht for his signature.
It’s pretty clear that North End need to find a new striker in the next month or so.
Since facing Bamber Bridge, Preston have only managed three goals in five pre-season games and look pretty toothless going forward.
North End’s budget isn’t huge though, so a loan signing could be the target here, and Delap is known to be on Preston’s radar.
Delap, 18, hit 24 goals and five assists in 20 Premier League 2 appearances last season, becoming one of the top young strikers in England.
Frankie McAvoy’s men faced Manchester City on Tuesday and may hope that helps their cause in the pursuit of Delap, but there is a new threat.
Walfoot in Belgium report that Anderlecht are attempting to secure a deal for Delap in the coming days.
They claim that City were going to loan him to a Championship club – potentially Preston – but may now feel that Anderlecht are a better option after a change of plan at the Etihad Stadium.
They are managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, and the move to Belgium worked wonders for ex-Preston loanee Lukas Nmecha last season.
If this report is true, Preston would be lagging behind Anderlecht in the race to sign Delap, possibly leaving North End going back to the drawing board.