WAYNE Allison is the latest player to be linked with a move to Preston North End as the hunt for a new striker continues following the sudden departure of Jason Harris.

Reports in Yorkshire suggest the Huddersfield striker is now in talks with Deepdale's money men regarding a possible move to Preston, for a club record fee of £600,000.

And Huddersfield themselves have confirmed to the Citizen that contact has been made with PNE, although North End sources deny this.

Described by some as the best target man outside the Premiership, it is widely thought within Yorkshire's footballing circles that he would be ideal to become the man to take the pain for new PNE man Steve Basham.

Although £600,000 may seem a bit pricy for a 31-year-old who has been known to miss from six yards, Allison is excellent at winning knockdowns, and would provide excellent service for either Basham or Kurt Nogan. Huddersfield are in the hunt for several new strikers, and with the likes of Delroy Facey already coming through, Allison's days at the McAlpine could be numbered.

Meanwhile, PNE appear to be leading the race to sign Welsh midfielder Rob Edwards who is currently training with North End after knocking back a three-year contract at First Division Grimsby Town.

As the Citizen revealed two weeks ago, North End have been keeping a watchful eye on Edwards, but, until last week, it appeared he would be signing for a First Division club.

But after travelling up to Grimsby last week, he booked into a hotel and promptly booked out again before he had seen the town, the club, the team, the ground or even manager Alan Buckley.

He then approached Deepdale's bosses to ask if he could train with them, and he played a small part in Tuesday's 3-0 pre-season victory over Chorley.

If he were to sign for Preston, it wouldn't cost the club anything in terms of a transfer fee, because he is out of contract at Ashton Gate, allowing the club to take advantage of the Bosman ruling.

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