Preston North End have cast their eyes on experienced striker Andre Gray ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a Patreon post from reporter Alan Nixon.

The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer when his Watford contract expires, and it looks like the Hornets will not be offering him terms to renew.

Gray joined Watford in 2017 when he made a mega-money move from North End's Lancashire rivals Burnley for £18.5 million.

Having failed to really fire though in his four years at Vicarage Road, Gray headed out on loan last summer to Queens Park Rangers for the 2021-22 campaign on a loan deal.

Having scored 10 goals in 28 appearances in the Championship - his final strike coming on the last day of the season against Swansea City for the Hoops - Gray will head into the summer free to talk to any clubs that are interested.

And North End are said to be one of those, with Ryan Lowe looking to bolster his strike-force ahead of the 2022-22 season.

The Verdict

Gray will turn 31 before the new EFL season begins, meaning that he's heading into the twilight years of his career.

He had a pretty good goal ratio this season though for QPR despite not showing it at the same level for Watford the season prior, so when it comes to having offers at Championship level this summer then he's put himself in a good position.

It may come down to who offers the best contract for Gray, who won't be getting the mega money he would have been on at Watford following his switch from Burnley five years ago.

Preston North End don't have one of the bigger budgets in the league so Gray may have to be realistic with his wage demands, but if PNE can't get Cameron Archer back on loan next season then Gray is a potentially decent alternative.