Preston North End manager Darren Ferguson admitted that he had to move quickly to secure the loan signing of Manchester United's England U20 midfielder Matthew James.

The 18-year-old signs on loan until the end of the season when the emergency loans window opens on Tuesday and Ferguson is pleased to add some competition for places in the midfield area.

Ferguson revealed that North End were not the only club aiming to secure James' signature: "He's one we have known about for a while, he's a good player, the lad's got great potential and the timing was right for him to get out and we've managed to nick in and get him quickly. There were a couple of other Championship teams who had shown an interest in taking him but fortunately we have got him.

"He's a good passer, he's got plenty of energy, he's a good size for a young lad, he'll come into it tomorrow and we are looking forward to working with him. It's an area which I said we have needed to strengthen, we've got Richard Chaplow still injured so I am pleased to get him on board, he's a good one for us."

James is the second Manchester United loanee to arrive at Deepdale, he's no stranger to Preston though, he scored a fantastic goal for United's reserves at Deepdale last season and his younger brother Reece is a member of PNE's U16 squad.

"There's a connection with Danny Welbeck, they have played together a lot and that will help," Ferguson said.

"His younger brother is with the U16s here so there's that connection. I've seen the goal he scored at Deepdale last season, it was a good goal so some of the fans might remember him. We are trying to bring bodies in who can fit in to how I want to play, we do need more energy in the team, there is no doubt about that and I am sure that Matt will help bring that."