Pickford has been sensational for Preston this season as well as cementing an England under 21 place. He has kept Preston in the majaority of the games this season and it was always likely that he would be recalled to Sunderkand in January.
Preston have acted swiftly to bring back Sam Johnstone on a 28 day loan. Johnstone was Grayson's number one target but due to keeping issues at United at the start of the season Preston were unable to obtain Johnstone's services.