Lancashire

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Follow along as Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff dive into the biggest stories across the EFL, with expert analysis, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about.

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Blackpool have signed goalkeeper Luke Southwood from Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The Northern Ireland international joins on a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Southwood, 28, formerly played under Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt at Bolton Wanderers.

"Reuniting with the gaffer was one of the biggest selling points in terms of coming here as I know how good and detailed he is.

"He is a manager who I feel like I can definitely thrive under and can bring the best out of me so that's a massive part," Southwood told the club website, external.

He will provide competition for Bailey Peacock-Farrell at Bloomfield Road, having played 27 games for Rovers last season before losing his place during the second half of the campaign.

"We are delighted to have brought Luke in before the first league game of the season," said Evatt.

"He is someone who I was keen to bring in, having worked with him at Bolton Wanderers. He will add real quality to our goalkeeping department."

The Seasiders kick off their League One campaign with a home fixture against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Preston North End are targeting 23-year-old Sheffield United striker Tom Cannon and hope to bring the Republic of Ireland international back to Deepdale after a loan spell with the Lilywhites in 2023. (Football League World), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

Don't forget to tap the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay up to date with your club's latest news.

West Ham, Wolves, Middlesbrough and Burnley are all battling for the signing of Welsh ex-Leicester City midfielder Jordan James, 22, from French side Rennes. (Alan Nixon - subscription required), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

Don't forget to tap the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay up to date with your club's latest news.

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Leicester City have signed Argentine goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli from Blackpool on a three-year contract.

The 29-year-old has moved on a free transfer and is boss Russell Martin's seventh signing of the summer so far.

Ravizzoli has made 99 career appearances, also playing for clubs including Eastbourne Borough, MK Dons and Wycombe Wanderers.

He came through the youth academy at River Plate in his home country and also trained with Spanish club Valencia as a youngster.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be here. As soon as I heard about the club's interest, I just knew I couldn't turn the opportunity down," Ravizzoli told Leicester's website., external

"Leicester is a big club with ambitions to be successful again, and I will give everything to help them on that journey."

Ross Heaton
BBC Radio Lancashire

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It was an afternoon when much of the focus was on the location, but it ended in celebration.

Preston North End booked their place in round two of the Carabao Cup after showing character and composure in a memorable match on Merseyside for two new signings.

A red card for Lewis Gibson midway through the first half had Paul Heckingbottom's men on the ropes but they cleared their heads and found a way to hit back.

Goodison Park became home for a day just under 60 years after Howard Kendall famously made the 35-mile journey from Preston to sign for the Toffees.

'The Grand Old Lady' has played temporary host to visitors before, including Pele's Brazil in 1966, Sir Matt Busby's Manchester United and the FA Cup final in 1894 and 1910.

With the finishing touches being made to Deepdale's pitch, the Championship side walked out in a slightly surreal atmosphere that finally grew as the 'home' side attacked the Gwladys Street End bearing Kendall's name.

When Radinio Balker headed in for Huddersfield Town during the first half, Gibson's dismissal looked a fatal blow to any hopes of progression.

Heckingbottom and his team deserve credit for a revitalised display after the restart, refusing to lose.

Former Preston goalkeeper Alan Kelly looked completely mystified alongside me in the commentary box as several big appeals for penalties were waved away.

The tide of the game kept flowing to our left and the Preston fans, despite their team's numerical disadvantage.

Heckingbottom has been honest about how much more transfer business is needed, but new recruits Jusef Erabi and Delano Burgzorg wasted no time in making an impression from the bench.

After earlier stinging the palms of Matty Young with a ferocious drive, Erabi was on hand to turn in Burgzorg's low ball in stoppage time. A special debut with members of the Swede's family travelling from Scandinavia to watch first-hand.

Burgzorg's contribution did not end there. The Dutchman coolly slotted in the decisive penalty in the shoot-out after Daniel Iversen had made two terrific saves.

The match started with a testimonial-esque level of noise but by the end Preston fans found their voice, playing their part in seeing the team through an unusual fixture.

Preston will have to wait a fortnight for their return to Deepdale. How different the squad will look by then remains to be seen.

What will have pleased Heckingbottom is the steel and resilience shown by his players in the face of adversity. There will be many tests to come, but this one they passed.

Their opening Championship game at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday (12:30 BST) will not be any easier.

A sold-out away end of 4,400 may make the visitors feel at home on the road for the second week in succession.

Listen to Jusef Erabi's full interview with BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC sounds here - and do not forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.