Preston North End sign Alex Nicholson

Preston North End have completed the signing of former Newcastle United defender Alex Nicholson on a short-term deal.

The 19-year-old moves to Deepdale after manager Simon Grayson allowed Jeffrey Monakana and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff to leave on loan deals.

Nicholson was a free agent after leaving Newcastle during the summer.

"He's a young lad who we like the look of," Grayson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He trained with us a little bit last year and he's been with us all through pre-season. One or two going out has released some funds for us to sign Alex on a full-time basis.

"Hopefully he'll develop into a good footballer and be part of the Preston squad for a long time to come."

Preston face Swindon Town on Saturday.