Exclusive: Don Goodman backs Preston North End in transfer chase that could reach £5m | OneFootball

A number of English clubs, and some overseas, want to sign the Ivorian forward.

Preston North End are among the teams battling to sign Wycombe Wanderers centre-forward Richard Kone.

A breakout season in League One last time out, helping the Chairboys to reach the play-offs, has caught the attention of Championship clubs this summer.

According to Jacob Steinberg, Preston, Swansea and Toulouse are interested in the Ivorian forward, with Swansea said to be leading the race after submitting a £4.5 million offer. Football League World understands that this bid has since been rejected, but that they are now preparing another offer, which will be their last.

The BBC have reported that North End have made a £3 million offer, but that Wanderers want £5 million for the highly sought-after target. Scottish Premiership champions have also been linked with him.

Preston need a player like Richard Kone

At 22, Kone is clearly a prospect for teams to get excited about. Should the Lilywhites beat the Swans and co to the Wycombe talisman, it'd be a brilliant coup. That's according to Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, who spoke exclusively to Football League World.

"Richard Kone: 3 million bid from Preston. You know what I think, if they can beat Celtic to signing him, I think this is what maybe they've needed.

"I've always thought Preston at times have been quite solid and secure and maybe just haven't had that killer instinct in the forward line. They had the lights of Ched Evans, who has been capable of hitting the back of the net. But I think Kone, taking that step up, I've seen quite a bit of him as well over a few seasons, and he's really, really stepped his game up.

"[He's] very raw, [he] proved his weight in gold for Wycombe and, obviously, achieving big things for himself last season in the fact of awards.

"There's no surprise that there are teams that are looking at him. They're hard to come by, strikers, and, at £3 million, you think it'd be a real good signing for Preston.

"He does put himself about. He's still quite raw. I think he's still got a bit more maybe to work on in his game like every striker has, but yes, I think a real thumbs up for this one if Preston can get that over the line."

Preston would need to take transfer action if they complete Richard Kone coup

Preston have added a strong striker option to their squad already this summer by pouncing on Michael Smith's availability following his release from Sheffield Wednesday, so the need to add net-finders is not as strong as it was, but you can never have enough people who can do that job in your squad.

Signing Kone will be difficult, just because of the higher current offer from Swansea, but even an agreement with Wycombe could cause issues as it would surely require Paul Heckingbottom to make space for him. On top of Smith, North End have Daniel Jebbison, Will Keane and Milutin Osmajic. They would have to move one of that trio on.