Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom does not want to rely on loan players so much, moving forwards, but knows it’s a market the club cannot ignore.
The Lilywhites’ chief has spoken about breaking the ‘cycle’ of losing loan stars at the end of seasons and, effectively, starting again. Permanent signings like Andrew Moran, Odel Offiah and Thierry Small represent a step forward in that regard but this summer will still see some major players return to parent clubs.
So, Preston will strive to redress that balance and bring in their own players where possible. But, the fact remains that real quality can be added via the loan market and therefore, you would expect PNE to still utilise it. One thing North End have added with their successful loans, of late, is a reasonable degree of experience.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden, last season’s Player of the Year, had four spells away from Aston Villa before his move to Deepdale. This year, both Lewis Dobbin and Alfie Devine arrived for the fourth loan stint of their careers. With that in mind - and the tendency for PNE to eye attacking loans - we look at some potential options for the upcoming summer.
He could yet be leading the line for his parent club in the Championship next season! Regardless of how Tottenham's campaign concludes, Lankshear will no doubt have plenty of suitors in the summer. The 20-year-old has scored eight league goals for Oxford. The six-foot-two striker is mobile and works hard for the team. A player PNE's management will be well aware of, given his time at Sheffield United.
1. Will Lankshear (Spurs)
He could yet be leading the line for his parent club in the Championship next season! Regardless of how Tottenham's campaign concludes, Lankshear will no doubt have plenty of suitors in the summer. The 20-year-old has scored eight league goals for Oxford. The six-foot-two striker is mobile and works hard for the team. A player PNE's management will be well aware of, given his time at Sheffield United. | Getty Images
The attacking midfielder has had a productive loan spell at Peterborough this year, netting 11 goals in 30 league appearances. Time will tell if he's ready to step up to the second tier, with this his second loan away from Chelsea. He has played more than 2,200 minutes of football so far. The England youth international has good pedigree, having come through with the Blues and Southampton.
2. Jimmy Jay-Morgan (Chelsea)
The attacking midfielder has had a productive loan spell at Peterborough this year, netting 11 goals in 30 league appearances. Time will tell if he's ready to step up to the second tier, with this his second loan away from Chelsea. He has played more than 2,200 minutes of football so far. The England youth international has good pedigree, having come through with the Blues and Southampton. | DAVID LOWNDES
There were some links to PNE and others earlier this season, before his eventual move to Millwall. The tricky winger has featured for the Lions but predominantly off the bench and another loan wouldn't be a surprise next season. Whether Preston can convince out-and-out wingers to join, is another story - though Lewis Dobbin had predominantly played there before his North End stint.
3. Tommy Watson (Brighton)
There were some links to PNE and others earlier this season, before his eventual move to Millwall. The tricky winger has featured for the Lions but predominantly off the bench and another loan wouldn't be a surprise next season. Whether Preston can convince out-and-out wingers to join, is another story - though Lewis Dobbin had predominantly played there before his North End stint. | Mike Hewitt
Anyone who watched PNE play Southampton in the FA Youth Cup a few years ago will remember this name. Doyle stole the show at Deepdale that night and a move to Brighton followed not long after. He is on loan at Reading this season, after spells at Exeter and Crawley. Doyle, 20, has scored four goals and assisted the same number. More importantly for him, though, he has played 2,800+ minutes and started 30 league games.
4. Kamari Doyle (Brighton)
Anyone who watched PNE play Southampton in the FA Youth Cup a few years ago will remember this name. Doyle stole the show at Deepdale that night and a move to Brighton followed not long after. He is on loan at Reading this season, after spells at Exeter and Crawley. Doyle, 20, has scored four goals and assisted the same number. More importantly for him, though, he has played 2,800+ minutes and started 30 league games. | Getty Images