Sky Sports claims that Exeter City striker Jayden Stockley is a transfer target for Sky Bet Championship duo Ipswich Town and Preston North End. Ex-Exeter manager Paul Tisdale also wants to take him to MK Dons, whilst Sunderland are also monitoring the situation with interest.
Sunderland however are focusing the majority of their attentions on Charlie Wyke of Bradford City, whilst MK Dons may struggle financially to compete in such a deal. Therefore, it could be that one of Ipswich or Preston snap up a player that only has a year remaining on his contract at St James’ Park. Stockley has been a revelation since joining from Aberdeen a year ago.
25 goals in 48 matches last season is certainly the main reason for clubs wanting to buy Stockley this summer. Exeter paid a club record fee to snap him up 12 months ago, but failure to win promotion last summer leaves them a little vulnerable given the level of interest in him. Exeter have been losing play-off finalists in back-to-back campaigns.
It is well documented that Ipswich are wanting to further enhance their squad options at Portman Road. Paul Hurst has been targeting the lower leagues in the EFL for recruits, and 24-year-old Stockley would fit the bill nicely in that regard. Whilst they have added Ellis Harrison in recent days, they are likely to lose Martyn Waghorn. Preston are another side that like to be shrewd in the market. They too have added players from divisions below the Sky Bet Championship. Alex Neil, like all bosses at this stage of pre-season, wish to add more fresh faces.
