<
>

Preston sign Marnick Vermijl, plus Aiden McGeady and Alex Baptiste

Preston North End have made a triple deadline day swoop to bring Marnick Vermijl back to the club on a permanent basis from Sheffield Wednesday, and sign Aiden McGeady and Alex Baptiste on loan.

Vermijl, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, spent last season on loan at Preston and has now moved to Deepdale on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

"It took some time to get it sorted but in the end we got there," the 24-year-old told Preston's official website. "I'm happy to sign three years here, I had a great time last season so now that I know the club, I know how it works and I know everyone at the club, it will make it a lot easier.

"If I look at how I enjoyed last season, I can only say good things about it so I'm really happy that I'm back here, so let's start playing!"

Republic of Ireland international McGeady was completely out of favour at Everton and spent the second half of last season on loan at Wednesday. He will now attempt to resurrect his career with a season-long loan at Preston.

"I am delighted to sign. It came about pretty quickly," he told Preston's website.

"It was only yesterday that I heard it might be a possibility and then by this morning I had heard that it wasn't happening and was off the table. Then about three or four hours ago I heard that it was back on again, so I was quite excited to get it sorted and I am now looking forward to getting back playing and helping the team. "

Preston boss Simon Grayson aded: "It's a fantastic signing for us obviously, he's played at the highest level, he's a Republic of Ireland international, and he's a player who has got fantastic ability."

Defender Baptiste moves to the Championship club on a season-long loan having fallen down the pecking order at Boro.

"It'll be good to be back playing again," Baptiste said. "Obviously I know a lot about the North West so I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"I will just give 100 percent, I try my best. I play centre-half or right-back but wherever I play I will give my best and that's all you can do really."