SUNDERLAND and Middlesbrough lose the battle for Tottenham Hotspur striker Troy Parrott who has joined Preston North End on loan until the end of the season.

Both the Black Cats and Boro had made firm enquiries to bring the 20-year-old to the North-East with both clubs thin on the ground for attacking options. However, the Republic of Ireland international has decided to seal a move to Deepdale for the forthcoming campaign.

Parrott travelled with Spurs for their pre-season tour of South Korea but Antonio Conte has deemed him surplus to requirements with a number of attacking options ahead of him in the pecking order.

Parrott said: "I spoke to the manager first of all. I like the sound of how the team wants to play, they want to create a lot of chances which for me is a no brainer really, and obviously the Irish boys here also helps.

"I’ve been speaking to Browney (Alan Browne) and Robbie (Brady) and just asking what it’s like around the place and they’ve had nothing but good things to say, so I’m happy to be here."

That means Sunderland will almost certainly turn their full attentions to Everton’s Nathan Broadhead with their interest in bringing him back to the club very firm.

As for Boro, Duncan Watmore and Josh Coburn remain the club’s only striking options while manager Chris Wilder has offered a lifeline to Chuba Akpom who returned to the first-team against Marseille.