Championship mainstays Preston North End are thought to be close to signing Walsall winger Josh Ginnelly.

The former Burnley man has been impressive for the Saddlers this term, catchining the eye with his speed and trickery down the wing, and it now looks like North End are looking to add Ginnelly to their ranks in January.

According to HITC, Ginnelly is close to agreeing a move to Deepdale, and is expected to complete his move to the North West when the transfer window re-opens in a week or so.

Ginnelly, who is still only 21, will no doubt be keen to test himself in the Championship, and will no doubt be happy to move to a club like Preston, who have just begun to pick up a little bit after a miserable start to the season saw them languishing in the bottom three.

Ginnelly, who can play on either wing if needed, has bagged twice this season for League One Walsall, but will no more is needed in terms of goals if he is going to make a success of himself in the second tier.

The 21-year-old will add pace and delivery from wide areas to the North End squad, and manager Alex Neil will no doubt be keen to see the deal completed ASAP.

The Verdict

Steady signing this for Preston, and exactly the sort of player they should be looking to sign.

Ginnelly is exciting with the ball and should prove a useful addition to the ranks at Deepdale.

If he can keep improving, then he might well prove to be a shrewd addition to the squad for Alex Neil as he looks to see his side climb the table going into the New Year.

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