Simpson targets striker signing

Preston manager Paul Simpson is looking to bring in at least one new striker, after seeing a bid for Sam Parkin accepted.

The Lilywhites have tabled a bid thought to be in the region of £300,000 for the out-of-favour Ipswich Striker.

However, Simpson is likely to face stiff competition from Championship rivals Coventry and Luton, with the latter also having a bid accepted.

Simpson insists he has other irons in the fire should he fail to lure Parkin to Deepdale, with three Premiership strikers loan targets for the former Carlisle chief.

Arsenal hit-man Arturo Lupoli, Liverpool's Neil Mellor and Manchester United's highly-rated youngster Giuseppe Rossi are all being monitored by Simpson.

The North End boss' primary aim is to secure Parkin's signature, but says he is looking into other possibilities as well.

"He's a player who I am interested in. I tell the chairman who I would like to sign, within reason, and he tries to get them here," Simpson said.

"Sam Parkin is one of a number of players who we have enquired about whether it's permanent or loan signings. We're still in the hunt for players and we have still got the chance to bring new faces in.

"There are a number of players I'm interested in. Lupoli is a player I like, Neil Mellor is a player I like. I'm looking for at least one striker.

"Giuseppe Rossi is also a player I like but as far as I'm aware, Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't want him to go out on loan at the moment but he is a player I've asked about."