Town and Sunderland are reported to be among the clubs interested in controversial Fleetwood striker Ched Evans, who is leaving Highbury due to disciplinary issues, however, Preston are believed to be the frontrunners for the ex-Wales international’s signature.
According to The Sun on Sunday,Lilywhites boss Alex Neil heads the chase for the 32-year-old with Town and Sunderland also keen. However, it’s believed the one-time Norwich loanee would prefer to stay in the North West.
Last month, Fleetwood manager Joey Barton outlined why Evans was leaving his club: "He will leave the building due to his discipline and his behaviour.
"There’s been multiple infractions. We always try and give a bit of leeway but it just ran its course.
"I think Ched needs a change of scenery, a different voice. I know, short-term, we will feel that because he’s been an influential player for us before but I just think, for us, everybody has a bus stop where they get off. For multiple reasons, I think it’s one of those periods.”
Evans joined the Cod Army, initially on loan from Sheffield United, in 2018 and he went on to make 80 starts and 19 sub appearances, scoring 37 times.
It's reported that Fleetwood may want a fee for the former Manchester City trainee.
In 2012 Evans was found guilty of raping a woman at a Premier Inn near Rhyl the previous year. Having served half of a five-year prison sentence he was released before in 2016 the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial which took place later that year when he was found not guilty.