Preston North End are interested in signing Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling, a report from Lancashire Live has revealed.

Having come through the youth ranks at Chelsea, Sterling has yet to establish himself as a regular at Stamford Bridge, making just two first-team appearances for the Blues.

However, the 22-year-old does have Championship experience under his belt, having featured 32 times in the divison during loan spells with Wigan and Blackpool in the last two seasons.

Now it seems as though the right-back could be back in the second-tier, and indeed the North West, in the coming campaign.

According to this latest update, Preston are interested in signing Sterling, as they look to boost their options on the right of their defence for next season.

Sterling has apparently not travelled with Chelsea on their pre-season tour to LA, and is said to be open about his future, with a loan move thought to be his preferrence for next season.

However, it is also suggested that there is interest in the right-back from elsewhere across the country and continent, as clubs continue to hunt for signings.

As things stand, there is just a year remaining on Sterling's current contract at Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea do have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months.

The Verdict

This does look as though it could be a rather useful signing for Preston if they get it done.

With Joe Rafferty having already departed, Sepp van den Berg's loan expired, and Matthew Olosunde available for transfer, a new right-back is certainly needed at Deepdale.

In Sterling, they would be getting a useful option to fill that role, with a good deal of potential, and proven experience of holding his own at this level.

That would make him a solid addition for Ryan Lowe's side, and given the opportunity for more first-team experience that it would provide the 22-year-old, this could be a good move for all involved.