Preston boss Alan Irvine has dismissed reports linking him with a move for Hameur Bouazza.
Irvine not tracking Algerian ace
Preston boss Alan Irvine has dismissed reports linking him with a move for former Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza.
The Algerian is available as a free agent after parting ways with Turkish side Sivasspor after just one game.
A return to England, where he has previously represented Watford, Swindon, Charlton, Birmingham as well as Fulham, has been touted, with the Lilywhites just one of a number of Championship sides said to be admirers of the 24-year-old.
However, Irvine has told
skysports.com that he is not in the race to sign Bouazza.
"I am aware of the situation that he is in at the moment, but it is not a position that we currently need, so he isn't a player we are pursuing at this moment in time," he said.
"I'm hoping to bring one more player in, but I'm not very optimistic on that front. We will continue to work hard and try to bring that player in though.
"There are a couple of positions that I am looking at to strengthen so that there is more competition for places, but I'd like to keep that fairly quiet for now."
Challenge
The Lilywhites remain unbeaten so far this season, but face a tough trip to Roy Keane's slow-starting Ipswich this weekend.
Despite their disappointing opening to the season, Irvine knows it will still be a tough test for his side at Portman Road.
"They haven't had the start that they had expected, or that anyone else would have expected from them, but Burnley is a great example of a side going up despite having a poor start to the season," he added.
"Burnley had a poor start and we all know what happened there. It is a long hard season in the Championship and it will probably take Roy a little bit of time to get his ideas across and get his squad assembled, but I have no doubt that they will be challenging at the top end of the table."
