Following an impressive top-half finish last season in their first season back in the Sky Bet Championship, Preston North End have started this one in a slow fashion.

Simon Grayson's side currently sit second bottom in the division, having picked up just three points from a possible fifteen.

Manager Grayson has brought ten new signings to Deepdale this summer, most notably former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard from West Bromwich Albion, and former Republic of Ireland international Aiden McGeady following his release from Everton - the latter being one of three arrivals on deadline day at Preston.

Despite the number of summer captures, the Lilywhites could still do some transfer business, and need to strengthen if they continue their early season form.

Here, FootballLeagueWorld writer Ryan White identifies THREE free agents that Preston North End should snap up as soon as possible...

Marouane Chamakh

Although reports suggest he is being heavily linked with a move to Norwich City, Marouane Chamakh should be snapped up as soon as possible by Preston.

The 32-year-old has plenty of attacking ability to add to Grayson's squad, and is able to play as a midfielder or upfront as a striker.

With lots of experience in his locker from the time he spent at Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Chamakh would be a very solid signing for Preston, and Grayson needs to snap him up as soon as possible before Norwich get in their first.

Sylvain Distin

Preston North End lack that true leader in the centre of defence.

They do have numbers and probably won't suffer too much if they get one or two injuries, but to stay in the second tier you need leadership and someone to keep the squad mentally strong.

French defender Sylvain Distin would definitely fit the bill at Deepdale. He offers plenty of experience, having spent years at the top level with Everton.

The 38-year-old may have had a poor year with AFC Bournemouth last season but, if offered a one-year deal, he would have a positive impact on the squad which, at the moment, looks like it may struggle this time around.

Nigel Reo-Coker

Nigel Reo-Coker was released by Montreal Impact in the MLS in January, and it surprises a lot of people as to how or why he hasn't been signed by any club yet.

At 32 years of age, the former England Under-21 international still has something in his locker for the Championship and would do a decent job at any club in the division.

He's not the leader that Grayson's side are necessarily looking for, but the defensive midfielder has what it takes, and would help Preston North End stay in the Championship for at least another season.

Preston fans... do you agree with these selections? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!