Josh Earl will be looking to push for first-team football at Preston North End this season, having returned from a season at Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.
The left back should challenge Andrew Hughes now, especially having got himself fit after a recent lay-off.
Some may recall that Josh’s brother Lewis was also in the Preston ranks, and was hoping to emerge into the first-team too.
This past summer though, Earl was part of the Preston youth cull, as he failed to earn a professional deal and was released.
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We’ve seen Tyrhys Dolan shine in the Championship since joining Blackburn Rovers, whilst Tyler Williams joined Middlesbrough in September, meaning Preston’s young cast-offs are landing Football League deals.
Now, The Sun’s Alan Nixon claims that Sunderland are looking to sign Earl on a free transfer, with the 19-year-old attracting interest two months into the season.
Earl has recently been on trial with Burnley, but having so far failed to win a deal at Turf Moor, Sunderland are now keen.
Joining a big club like Sunderland would be huge for Earl, and having seen Dolan and Williams get great moves after leaving Preston, he will be hoping to follow suit.