Sunderland AFC news: The deciding factors in Troy Parrott choosing Preston over Cats, Middlesbrough and QPR

The news came as a significant blow to Sunderland after the Wearsiders had tabled their own loan offer to Tottenham, with the club now set to continue their hunt for cover and competition for Ross Stewart.

Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough had also shown an interest in the forward, who has enjoyed loan stints at Millwall, Ipswich Town and MK Dons in recent seasons.

Parrott performed admirably at Stadium:MK last campaign as the club reached the League One play-offs, netting 10 times across 47 games in all competitions and featuring as a central striker and in an attacking midfield at times.

The 22-year-old returned to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham at the end of the season and joined the London club during their pre-season tour of South Korea and impressed with his high levels of fitness alongside Premier League stalwarts Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

However, The Echo understands that a significant factor behind the Republic of Ireland international choosing Preston over Sunderland was the promise of a starting position at Deepdale this season.

Parrott is set to begin the campaign as one of two strikers alongside Emil Riis Jakobsen as manager Ryan Lowe looks for double the threat at the point of Preston’s attack.

Another key reason behind Parrott’s move to Preston is understood to be the influence of the club’s Irish players Alan Browne and Robbie Brady, something the player mentioned himself during his signing interview.