Paul Huntington on retirement
PNE signed former Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis on a free transfer
Preston North End are not expected to dip into the free agent market for a striker.
The Lilywhites will be without forward Milutin Osmajic for the next eight matches after he was hit with a nine-game ban, prior to last weekend’s draw at Millwall. Post-match at The Den, Heckingbottom was asked about the possibility of exploring another free.
After injury to defender Andrija Vukcevic last month, North End moved quickly to bring in Jamal Lewis. In order to add the ex-Norwich City man to their 25 man squad, PNE had to get permission from the EFL.
Preston had to prove - via a surgeon - that one of their players wouldn’t be fit before January, and therefore they could be replaced. PNE’s 25 man squad is now full through to the new year.
On-loan front man Daniel Jebbison is expected to be back after the international break; the Canadian has missed the last three games with a hamstring issue. Will Keane - who has not kicked a ball this season - is also pushing for a return to action.
Sheffield United talks...
One free agent forward who looked an obvious option for Championship clubs is Patrick Bamford. The former Leeds United striker is now reportedlyin talks with Sheffield United, over a short-term deal through to January.
Blades boss Chris Wilder hasspoken about wantinganother number nine and Bamford has been available since his exit from Elland Road, in August. That news will alert the PNE faithful, following summer links to Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon.
The former Deepdale loan star has struggled to make an impact at Bramall Lane after his reported £10million move in January. Wilder has been open in the press about the ex-Everton man’s situation.
North End were linked with a second loan swoop for Cannon on transfer deadline day but a deal couldn’t be struck. PNE CEO Peter Ridsdalesuggested the club could revisit a move for the striker.
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