PRESTON North End's big money summer signing of Ricardo Fuller could open the flood gates for a series of high profile names to be linked with the Deepdale outfit.

Most recently, Craig Brown has been linked with Fulham's American wide man Eddie Lewis.

The player himself has admitted he is likely to be on his way out of Craven Cottage, despite some dazzling performances during America's World Cup campaign.

Brown will have not failed to have noticed the performances notched up by Lewis, given that he was punditing for Radio Five Live in the Far East.

Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have both been linked to the star, but North End could have former on-loan striker Brian McBride to thank if Lewis does plump for Deepdale.

The American striker, who is now back in the US, is said to have spoke highly of his time at North End to Lewis, who has admitted he is keen to move to a club where he is certain to have a future following a difficult time in London.

McBride himself is also linked with a move back to the club, but the fee McBride's MLS club now want for him is set to put Preston off -- they have, after all, already spent £800,000 on Jamaican Ricardo Fuller.

Another name linked with Brown is Newcastle's Stephen Caldwell, who has been told there is no place for him at St James' Park under Sir Bobby Robson.

The 21-year-old centre-back played under Brown in the Scotland team, and would provide the sort of cover Brown has said he wants to stop the team scoring 'soft goals.'

Paul Ritchie, from Manchester City, is also being linked as eyes start to wander back from the World Cup and to domestic matters.

Meanwhile, matters surrounding winger Gareth Ainsworth should be wrapped up by the end of the week.

Following his honeymoon, swift action is expected to sew up the popular star's future.

He has already accepted he will have to take a pay cut after leaving Wimbledon -- but it has yet to be seen whether the other First Division clubs in for his signature are offering more to win Ainsworth, who has said he would dearly love to play for Preston again.

But the real worry for Preston fans lies with the persisting rumours over 28-year-old skipper Sean Gregan's possible move.

West Brom, despite their off-field uncertainties, are said to want to step up their bid for Preston's forceful midfielder.

Newly promoted to the Premiership, West Brom want a big enough squad to operate a rotation system, and Gregan would fit into their plans. The club are now believed to be preparing a £2.5million bid for him.