Preston North End used the recent international break to watch League One strikers Cole Stockton and Sam Smith in action, as per a report from journalist Alan Nixon. 

The report states that Peter Risdale ran the rule over the Morecambe and Cambridge United forwards ahead as the Lilywhites consider bolstering their forward line in January. 

The striking pair see their contracts at their respective clubs expire in the summer, with both players extremely integral to how their clubs operate. 

Sitting 14th in the Championship standings at present, Ryan Lowe's side have managed just three league goals during this campaign, which could pave the way for a move for Stockton or Smith. 

Possessing the best defensive record in the Championship, and the entire EFL thus far, addressing their forward line and creativity around that position will likely be prioritised when the January window opens its doors. 

The verdict 

It will be interesting to see if anything comes from Risdale's latest scouting mission and it is unlikely that both will be brought to Deepdale. 

The pair also have completely different skill sets, with Stockton a player who can hold the ball up, bring others into play and cause havoc with his general physicality. 

Smith, on the other hand, is a player that causes problems with his pace and direct running and has a very intelligent footballing brain. 

The attribute that both share and both have displayed quite consistently over the last 14 months or so, is an ability to score different kinds of goals.