According to a report by The Sun, Liverpool and Everton are both interested in signing Preston North End defender Josh Earl.

Josh Earl broke into the first team at Preston North End this season and has now been attracting attention from the top flight.

The youngster started establishing himself as a regular under Alex Neil in the Preston line-up but picked up a knock in early November which forced him off at half time against Aston Villa.

He has been out of action ever since but that has not deterred Liverpool and Everton.

The Merseyside rivals are ready to go head to head in the battle to sign the towering 6ft 5in defender.

Earl predominantly features as a left back although due to his height, he is also able to feature at centre half as well.

Both Liverpool and Everton remain interested in the 19-year-old even though he penned a fresh deal at Deepdale in November.

Liverpool are still searching for answers in the left back department, despite the improvement in Alberto Moreno's form and the summer signing of Andrew Robertson.

Meanwhile, Everton are looking for Leighton Baines' long term replacement and see Earl as the ideal capture.

The Verdict

Josh Earl is likely to be playing Premier League football sooner or later if he can continue to progress at the rate he has been.

He might be tempted by a move to Liverpool because he might get chances with their problematic defence.

Everton would also be a feasible option given their policy of promoting youth players into the first team.

Preston fans - Are you worried about keeping Earl? Let us know below...

[ad_pod ]