Rumours linking striker David Nugent with a move to Everton have been dismissed 'paper talk' by Preston North End manager Billy Davies.

Davies is adamant that if any transfer actitivity takes place before the transfer window slams shut later this month, it will involve players arriving at Deepdale, not leaving.

He wants at least two more experienced players to add to a squad which currently has a youthful look about it.

But he insists that won't be at the expense of existing players.

He said: "The squad I have here is the one I want and I don't want to lose anyone. Everton did enquire for Dickson Etuhu, but I have heard nothing from them about Nugent, that's just paper talk.

"Sheffield United also had a bid for Richard Cresswell rejected. Our players simply aren't for sale. Norwich also looked at Chris Sedgwick apparently."

Sheffield United have now ended their interest in Cresswell.

The link between Everton and Nugent was always likely to emerge, given the 21-year-old has admitted he'd love to play for them.

Everton, of course, are managed by David Moyes, who admits he keeps a close eye on goings on at Deepdale.

And two goals in the first two games makes Nugent attractive to any Premiership manager worrying about firepower ahead of their season start this weekend. But Davies said: "My job is to make sure the players remain focused on the task in hand, and are not distracted. Credit it to them, they have kept at it.

"I will be glad when the transfer deadline passes, but we are still looking at players too. I would like to bring in an extra couple of players who, as when Danny Dichio joined in the summer, add experience to the squad.

"Competition for places is something we are after."

The primary task on the training ground this week has been sharpening up shooting ahead of the home game with Reading on Saturday.

Davies added: "We have started well but I think we can improve in the final third. It's something we'll work on and we will continue to get better."