Last Updated: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 15:34
Crewe Alexandra hitman Luke Varney is on Paul Simpson's shopping list as Preston look to strengthen their Championship promotion bid.
Varney's 13 goals this season, including one against Manchester United, have attracted the scouts to Crewe and prompted speculation he could be sold by Alex in January.
Preston are the latest team reported to be on Varney's trail with doubts over the long-term future of David Nugent who has been linked with a move to the Premiership.
Simpson may need to bolster his strikeforce to maintain a promotion push with Patrick Agyemang having joined Neil Mellor on the sidelines with a mid-term injury.
Varney, signed from non-league Quorn near Leicester for a pittance, has showed the kind of ability that would take him to a higher level.
Alex persuaded the 24-year-old to sign a new deal at Gresty Road in Septemeber, ensuring it would take big money to prise him away.