Preston North End are looking in great shape in the Championship heading out of November’s international break, with Alex Neil’s side sitting second in the table and trailing only West Bromwich Albion.

November’s international break is the final one of 2019, with Preston returning with a clear run up until Christmas and then into the New Year.

Maintaining this level of consistency will be important heading into the New Year, with the festive period often the time when the Championship’s contenders and pretenders are found out.

With North End looking for promotion, there will of course be speculation in January, whilst their impressive performances could also lead to more speculation beyond that in the lead up to the summer.

With that in mind, and with 2020 approaching, we explore FIVE transfer scenarios that we can see playing out next year…

Rangers have been linked with a move for Preston’s goalkeeper as they look to secure a long-term option in goal.

Rudd is an important member of Neil’s squad, but interest from Rangers might turn his head.

Definitely one to watch.

Going the other way, Preston appear to have an interest in Cameron Dawson of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Sheffield Star confirmed that interest and in 2020, we could see North End step up their attempts to lure the goalkeeper to Deepdale.

The 24-year-old centre-back has been outstanding for Preston so far this season and is looking like one of the Championship’s most consistent defenders.

After spells with other clubs further down the Football League, Davies almost looks ready to take the step up to the Premier League.

And, in 2020, we expect some Premier League clubs to be circling the centre-back.

Like Davies, Pearson is one of Neil’s top performers, and has been for some time.

The midfielder possesses real quality, but with North End still in the Championship, they are wide open to the Premier League vultures.

If Preston aren’t promoted to the Premier League, how long can they expect to keep hold of Pearson, who will surely be itching for a top-flight football.

Maybe one to watch next summer.

This is perhaps more of an immediate scenario, with Neil surely wanting a natural finisher in the New Year.

With Preston looking to last the distance in the promotion race, January is going to be massive.

When you look at North End’s squad – despite them topping the charts – they lack an out-and-out goalscoring number 9.

January is the time to get one.