Preston have completed the signing of Exeter's Jayden Stockley, with the striker signing a three-and-a-half year deal with the Championship side.

The powerful 25-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Grecians this year, with no player in England's top four divisions scoring more in the past 12 months.

In this campaign alone he has managed 16 league goals from 25 games, with the latest coming against Grimsby on 29 December in what was his final game for Exeter.

Therefore, Stockley was always going to be in-demand this month and it had been revealed that 'several' clubs had triggered his release clause ahead of the window opening.

And, the former Aberdeen man has opted to link up with Alex Neil at Deepdale, with the club confirming the news on their website this afternoon.

The ex-Norwich boss was delighted to land the in-form striker and revealed exactly what he feels Stockley will bring to the team.

"He will certainly give us a different option. He is a good age as well, 25, and he is fully fit. We have spoken at length about having a big target man since Jordan Hugill left."

The new signing is cup-tied for North End's clash against Doncaster this weekend so is likely to make his debut against Swansea on 12 January.

The Verdict

This is a real coup for Preston as Stockley has been wanted by several clubs in the Football League and it's easy to see why.

He has scored plenty of goals in the past few seasons and is ready to make the step up.

As well as that, as Neil says, he will give them a physicality up top that has been missing and could help fire the side up the table.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.