Preston North End are continuing their pursuit of Accrington Stanley right back Callum Johnson.

The Lancashire outfit are interested in signing the 22-year-old, but according to Alan Nixon, they need to increase their bid in order to land the impressive League One ace.

Johnson has once again been in fine form this season after impressing last term for Stanley, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by onlooking scouts, with Preston keen to add the 22-year-old to their ranks as Alex Neil looks to strengthen in January.

Johnson came through the ranks at Middlesbrough but was never given his chance at the Riverside, and saw a successful loan spell with Accrington turned into a permanent move at the beginning of last season.

The defender, who can slot in at right back and push into midfield if needed, would no doubt be a solid and shrewd addition for a Preston side who have found it hard going this season in the Championship.

North End have found themselves struggling in the lower to mid-table slots and will be mindful of being dragged into any sort of relegation battle in the second half of the campaign.

The Verdict

This is a solid move by Preston really.

A cheap signing and someone who should take to Championship football with relative ease, Johnson will be a good fit at Deepdale.

Neil knows he needs a few new faces, and he's doing the right thing opting to delve into League One.