Nahki Wells transfer link to PNE prompts similar questions to Andre Gray

Preston North End have now been linked with Bristol City striker Nahki Wells.

The Lilywhites want to sign two forwards this summer, with the immediate future of loan sensation Cameron Archer unclear after his recent form on the international stage. Aston Villa will look at him in pre-season and then make a call, which will have a big impact on North End's summer business.

Whether Archer is back at Deepdale or not though, another centre-forward is being targeted to bolster Ryan Lowe's front line even further. Emil Riis, Ched Evans, Sean Maguire and Mikey O'Neill are the contracted strikers at North End, as things stand. Take Riis out of the equation and you are looking at just three league goals last season.

Now, PNE are said to have contacted the Robins over Wells' availability. He started just seven games for Bristol City last season, finished with three goals from 32 appearances and is entering the final year of his contract. Antoine Semenyo - who is out injured until September - Andreas Weimann and Chris Martin were all preferred in the 2021/22 campaign, while youngsters Tommy Conway and Sam Bell are breaking through at Ashton Gate now. Wells has had strong striking competition, granted, but a direct rival barely starting him does raise eyebrows.

North End have also been linked with Andre Gray this summer and the links to Wells feel extremely similar. Charlie Austin and Lyndon Dykes tended to get the nod over Gray at QPR last year. On pure gut feel, he would represent stronger business, but Gray's recent numbers in the Championship are not too dissimilar to Wells' at all. Gray does have more Premier League experience than Wells - who is one year older - and had a better 2021/22.

The ex-Burnley and Brentford man