Preston confirm interest in Barrett

PRESTON have confirmed they are lining up young Arsenal and Irish striker Graham Barrett to bolster their striking options. Gunners star Barrett has emerged as North End’s next potential signing after the recruitment of Celtic duo Simon Lynch and Jonathan Gould.

Preston had hoped the deal would be kept under wraps until everything was finalised. But chairman Derek Shaw said: "It is unfortunate that the details have emerged in the press over the weekend as we normally don't like to talk about these things until a deal is done.

"But the newspapers down south have picked up on the story so I can confirm we are in discussions about signing Graham Barrett from Arsenal.