Preston North End are poised to sign Carlisle United’s Charlie Wyke, according to The Mirror.
The Championship club are believed to be heavily interested in Wyke and aim to trigger a release clause in the 24-year-old’s contract, meaning the fee is reduced.
The League Two striker signed for Carlisle in January 2015 after progressing through the Middlesbrough academy but failed to make a senior appearances for Boro. This season, Wyke has made 30 appearances for his club and scored 16 goals. He scored a second-half hat-trick in a 5-2 win against Mansfield Town in November and Wyke is the currently the third-top scorer in League Two this term.
The striker has played a vital role at the Cumbria club since joining two years ago and has made 85 appearances for Keith Curle’s side. Wyke has also bagged 37 goals.
The release clause is said to be below £400,000 and it looks like Preston are set to trigger it. The loss of their key man would be a huge blow to Carlisle in their promotion bid. The League Two side are currently in the automatic spots in third place and just three points behind league-leaders Doncaster Rovers.
Preston are also linked with a move for Ryan Tunnicliffe, who is desperate for a transfer away from Fulham but a number of Championship clubs are also monitoring the midfielder. Meanwhile, Lilywhites striker Jordan Hugill is being tracked by Wolverhampton Wanderers in a move which would pave the way for fellow front-man Charlie Wyke to join the Lancashire club.
