This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Preston North End are nearing closer to completing the signing of Celtic winger Scott Sinclair, with the 30-year-old set to undergo a medical at Deepdale, according to the Lancashire Post.
Sinclair has been a crucial player at Celtic over the last few seasons, making over 30 appearances in each of the last three campaigns to help the Scottish giants pick up three successive Scottish League titles, as well three successive Scottish Cups and League Cups.
However, the winger has seen his involvement become more limited so far this campaign, with Sinclair making just two league appearances for Celtic, which has seen Sinclair be made potentially available to make the move to Preston this month.
Alex Neil's side will be looking to improve their squad this month, to help the club recover from a dip in form over the festive period which has seen them drop out of the play-off places, and Sinclair could be one player who they bring into strengthen their squad.
So, would Sinclair be a good addition for Preston this month?
We discuss...
Chris Gallagher
"This would be a very good signing for North End.
"They have had a good season so far but they need more goals and quality in the final third to take them to the next level and Sinclair will provide that.
"Even though he has been frozen out at Celtic this season, he is intelligent with his movement and a good finisher, so he should add something to the team in the coming months as they seek a top-six finish.
"As well as that, you can't underestimate just how his experience at the highest level with help. He has won trophies, played in Europe and that will be important to a Preston squad that generally consists of younger, hungry players as the pressure builds toward the end of the season."
Can you name every Preston North End league position from the last 14 seasons?
Louie Chandler
"I think this would be a really solid signing for Alex Neil and Preston.
"There is no doubting that Sinclair's best years are behind him and the fact he has struggled to get into Celtic's side of late is hardly encouraging.
"But he is an experienced head and, perhaps crucially, someone who has experience of winning promotion to the Premier League.
"As much as Andre Green made very little impact at Deepdale, his departure certainly left a gap to be filled within the squad, and if they can bring Sinclair in it would solve that problem and improve the team at the same time."
Josh Cole
"This could turn out to be a quality addition for Preston as Sinclair unquestionably possesses all the ingredients needed to thrive at Championship level.
“Whilst he hasn’t played in the second-tier since 2011, the fact that the winger has provided 31 direct goal contributions in this division during his career suggests that he could potentially take the Lilywhites to new heights.
“With Preston currently fighting for a play-off place under the guidance of Alex Neil, it could be argued that signing Sinclair may help them achieve this goal in May.
“Providing that the 30-year-old is able to hit the ground running at Deepdale by building a fruitful partnership with the likes of Tom Barkhuizen and Daniel Johnson, there is no reason why he cannot play a key role in helping Preston push on in the Championship.”
Jordan Rushworth
“Scott Sinclair certainly has pedigree in the Championship have enjoyed an excellent individual season for Swansea City helping the Welsh club secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2010/11 campaign, which saw him net a hat trick in the pay-off final against Reading.
“The winger has gone onto gain vast experience with spells at Manchester City and Celtic, with the 30-year-old helping the Scottish giants achieve three successive domestic trebles in the last three seasons, but his impact has been reduced so far this term.
“Preston have a lot of young and talented options in the attacking third, which sometimes sees them lack composure in the final third and struggle to convert their chances, meaning they could potentially benefit from someone of Sinclair’s experience coming in.
“The attacker could be exactly the sort of player needed to help add some vital extra attacking power to Alex Neil’s side, as they look to secure a place in the Championship play-offs during the second half of the season.”
