It is no secret that Alex Neil wanted to sign a striker during the window. It is a position where Preston have struggled in recent times although some might put that down to formation and style of play.
Maguire is unsuited to playing up front alone whilst Stockley, for whatever reason, is rarely given game time and Moult is on the long term injury list. Neil has often turned to others to fill the gap.
Preston were the last club in the football league to sign a player but they eventually confirmed a deal was agreed to sign Danish striker Emil Riis Jakobsen.
The Dane went straight into the squad for the match away at Brentford. He was signed from Randers for a fee believe to be in excess of £1m. The striker has featured for the national under 21 team and will hopefully get a chance to show his ability at Preston.
He will certainly be under scrutiny from fans somewhat unnecessarily due to Preston's striking issues. I hope he is given time to settle in and show what he can do.
Attention will now turn to the players who have not signed contracts. Browne and Johnson were linked with moves away but still remain at the club in the last year of their contracts. Pearson is in a similar position.
Usually these issues are dealt with well in advance of the final year of any deals but perhaps due to the pandemic the club have not managed to tie down some of their key players. The next few months could be pivotal for the future of the club and which direction Preston are heading in. The fans need to know one way or another wat is happening with new contracts as do the club so that they can plan for the future.