PRESTON have emerged as strong favourites to beat Sunderland and Middlesbrough to the signing of Tottenham striker Troy Parrott.

Parrott’s future is set to be resolved in the next couple of days, with Antonio Conte having told the Republic of Ireland international he is unlikely to feature in his first-team plans next season despite having been part of the Spurs squad that travelled to South Korea for a recent pre-season tour.

The striker has been one of Sunderland’s key targets all summer, with Alex Neil desperate to reinforce his attacking ranks and provide some cover and competition for first-choice forward Ross Stewart.

The Black Cats tabled a loan offer for Parrott, and held a number of discussions with the Tottenham hierarchy over the 20-year-old, but they have always faced intense competition for his services.

Middlesbrough are one of a number of Championship clubs to have also expressed an interest, but after a series of talks over the weekend, it appears as though Preston have won the battle to land Parrott, who spent last season on loan with League One side MK Dons.

The Irishman is understood to have verbally agreed to move to Deepdale for the new campaign, and is now set to travel to the North-West to undergo a medical and finalise the personal terms of the deal.

His signature will be something of a coup for Preston, who are hoping to mount a promotion push under manager Ryan Lowe.

The Lilywhites have already signed Freddie Woodman, Dai Cornell, Robbie Brady and Ben Woodburn this summer, and will hope to complete Parrott’s loan signing in plenty of time for him to be involved in the squad for their opening Championship game against Wigan Athletic this weekend.

Missing out on Parrott will be a blow for Sunderland, who will not have to look elsewhere as they attempt to continue their summer recruitment drive.

The Black Cats’ recruitment team remain involved in talks with Everton over Nathan Broadhead, who was not part of Frank Lampard’s 23-man squad for the Toffees’ weekend friendly with Blackpool.

Neil would like to re-sign Broadhead, who impressed during last season’s loan spell at the Stadium of Light, but progress over the deal has been extremely slow despite the Welshman’s lack of involvement with Everton’s first-team squad this summer.

Sunderland play their final pre-season friendly this evening when they make the short trip to the Suit Direct Stadium to take on Hartlepool United.