Look out for some new faces next season

Just days after the end of the current term, speculation is already mounting about who will appear on the PNE teamsheet next year.

Club chairman Bryan Gray has already said that the team comes before the stadium, possibly meaning money will be available for the boss to strengthen his threadbare squad.

The first name to be linked with Deepdale is that of Scarborough striker Chris Tate who is refusing to sign a new contract at the McCain stadium after the team was relegated out of the league following Carlisle's controversial win on the last day of the season.

The 21-year-old player, who has previously been at Sunderland, has been said to be a £300,000 target of David Moyes.

But the canny Scot says that that figure is ludicrous.

He did, however, confirm an interest, saying: "We have looked at Chris, but the figure quoted in the media is outrageous. It wouldn't be a goer at that price.

"He is one of the many players we have been covering and keeping an eye on and we have to rebuild and get some new players in."

And that could include Steve Basham, who departed from Deepdale after three months on loan from Southampton.

Moyes had tried to get Bash to sign but the South Coast man wants to see what is on offer first, now that he is out of contract with the Saints.

Moyes said: "We will be keeping tabs on Steve over the summer.

"He did excellently here but we have already got some very good players." The manager quashed rumours that Basham's decision not to stay was down to the fact that he has fallen out with top scorer Kurt Nogan.

Nogan stormed off the pitch during one game after being substituted, fuelling rumours a rift was developing between the front men.

But Moyes insisted: "Kurt broke the rules. He contravened club discipline and bought the whole team a Chinese meal.

"The two even go to the dogs together."

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