Preston North End close in on Manchester United midfielder

by Pat McGatt. Published Tue 04 May 2010 12:15, Last updated: 2010-05-04

Preston North End boss Darren Ferguson is hopeful Manchester United midfielder Matt James will return to Deepdale next season.

James joined Preston on loan earlier this year and it seems a further loan is on the cards for next season.

Ferguson also hopes striker Danny Welbeck will join him for next year’s Championship campaign.

The North End chief has also hinted at further signings.

"I have my targets and we are down the line with certain ones," Ferguson told the Evening Post.

"I'm trying to get some in quite quickly before people go away on holiday. The chairman has been really positive about that.

"Hopefully one or two players will be in over the next couple of weeks, and it's not the United lads I'm talking about, it is different players.

"Matt James' deal is done really, without actually signing any contracts yet, and with Danny Welbeck there will be another couple of conversations."