This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Preston North End are among a number of clubs in the race to sign prolific Morecambe FC striker Cole Stockton, according to Football Insider.
According to the Football Insider report, Preston, along with Portsmouth, Peterborough, Rotherham and Wycombe are all clubs weighing up a move for the 28-year-old striker.
Stockton has scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Shrimps this campaign, and is the leading goal-scorer in League One, despite Morecambe sitting 20th in the table.
When the summer arrives, the prolific forward will have just one year left on his current Morecambe deal, with his contract set to expire in 2023.
With that being said, we asked three of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on Preston potentially signing Stockton, and whether or not they thought it was a good signing for North End.
George Dagless
It seems like quite the natural move in all fairness.
Morecambe still have a chance of staying in Sky Bet League One next season but even if they do I am positive that Stockton is going to attract interest from higher up and probably leave.
His form over the last couple of seasons deserves recognition and that comes in the form of a crack at the Championship, and I think Preston could be ideal for him.
They need another goal-scorer in their side, Ryan Lowe is someone that will be able to help him along being a former striker himself and Preston isn't too much of an upheaval from Morecambe geographically.
There is a lot to like about this potential deal, and I see it working nicely if it happens.
Declan Harte
Cole Stockton has scored 22 times in League One this season for a side battling against relegation.
That is an impressive tally that certainly deserves to be contributing towards a push higher up the English pyramid.
At 28-years old, this is Stockton’s best chance to make the jump up to the Championship.
The forward’s performances this season also show that he is likely ready to make that move up to the second division.
This would be a good signing for Preston and could be a really solid addition to their side.
If Stockton can replicate his form in the Championship then it could even take the side to the next level needed to compete for the play-offs.
Joshua Cole
This could be a wise move by Preston as Stockton has produced some excellent performances in League One for Morecambe this season.
As well as finding the back of the net on 22 occasions at this level, the forward has provided four assists for his team-mates in 40 appearances.
With Cameron Archer set to return to Aston Villa when his loan spell expires, Preston may need to bolster their attacking options this summer.
Whereas it could take Stockton some time to adapt to life in the Championship due to the fact that he has never played in this division before, there is no reason why he cannot eventually go on to thrive under the guidance of Ryan Lowe.