Championship regulars Preston North End are keeping an eye on Middlesbrough goalkeeper Connor Ripley.

The Lilywhites are keen to add a new stopper to the ranks, and according to Alan Nixon, are interested in signing the Middlesbrough goalkeeper, who is currently enjoying a loan spell with Accrington Stanley.

The 25-year-old has failedto have any sort of impact in the northeast and with Darren Randolph firmly confirmed as the number one for Tony Pulis' men, there is little hope of Ripley ever really making the step into the Boro first XI any time soon.

However, a move to Lancashire with Preston could interest the stopper, who will be keen to get his career moving after spending every season out on loan since being with Boro from 2011.

Ripley has built a reputation for himself though as a solid stopper down in the lower leagues, and a move to Preston might well give him the chance to further his career, with a move to a fellow second tier club being the ideal scenario for his next career step.

Ripley is capped at both England under-19 and 20 level, and will be keen to kick on in the coming seasons if he can indeed secure a permanent move.

The Verdict

Certainly seems like a smart move for Preston, who would be getting a solid goalkeeper on a relatively low fee and wage one would imagine.

For Ripley, it would be ideal. He's stagnated at Boro for quite some time now, and while loan moves are great, a permanent switch could do him the world of good.