The transfer window has always been a valuable period of time for clubs up and down the country, as it allows them to strengthen their squad to boost their side's chances of success.

This season, the window is more important than ever, as the emergency loan system has been scrapped, meaning that teams can't do any more business until the January window opens.

Preston have made seven signings during the summer, but no players have arrived since the start of the season.

The opening five games have seen Preston struggle - they currently sit second-bottom in the Sky Bet Championship - and it looks as though reinforcements are needed.

There are certain positions in particular that desperately need strengthening before tomorrow's 11.30pm deadline, but will North End get the deals over the line?

FootballLeagueWorld writer Tom Rawcliffe identifies THREE players who Preston should look to sign before the window shuts...

Nathan Byrne

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Over the last few weeks, Preston have been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Nathan Byrne.

The 24-year-old is yet to feature for Walter Zenga's side this season, and the Italian seems happy to let the former Tottenham youngster go.

Byrne won a lot of suitors in the North End crowd after impressing in League One for Swindon Town, mainly as a result of his considerable pace down the right-hand side and his ability to make things happen.

One thing Preston have missed this season is real pace.

Byrne would certainly offer this, and his crossing ability could also help them to solve their goalscoring issues.

Fraizer Campbell

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After the arrival of Christian Benteke at Crystal Palace, Fraizer Campbell found himself even further down the pecking order.

The former Manchester United man made just four Premier League starts last season, and a move away from Selhurst Park could be his only hope if he wants to be playing regularly.

Campbell has previously spent two seasons in the Championship, where he has a very respectable goalscoring record of 22 goals in his 46 matches played.

After the departure of Joe Garner to Rangers, Preston are even lighter up top, and a new striker needs to be brought to the club to fire them back up the league.

Campbell could be the man to do that.

Connor Randall

Connor Randall

It has been suggested in the press over the last few days that Preston have shown an interest in Liverpool right-back Connor Randall.

The Daily Mail reported that the Whites had enquired about signing the 20-year-old either on loan or on a permanent basis. However, the likelihood is that it will be a loan deal.

Grayson may be put off by Jurgen Klopp's clause, which states that Randall would have to play 75% of matches, but it shouldn't be a problem due to North End's shortage in that area.

After the pre-season injury to full-back Calum Woods, which ruled him out for the whole season, Preston knew somebody else was needed.

However, there has still been no replacement brought to the club, so the Lilywhites will be hoping that they can sort this deal out before the deadline.

Preston fans... would you be happy with these three signings? If not, who would you like to see in a white shirt this season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!