Preston North End sign Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on short-term deal

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake made 10 appearances for Ipswich Town but failed to score

Preston North End have signed striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The former Manchester United trainee, who has played for Plymouth, Wolves and Ipswich, had been on trial at the club.

The 28-year, released by Ipswich in May, had been at other Football League clubs to try to earn a deal.

"We have seen enough in training to see that his fitness levels have improved all the time," manager Simon Grayson told the club website.

"He has the ability of being a top striker and a clinical finisher."

The former England Under-21 international earned the Championship top goalscorer title in consecutive seasons during his time at Molineux, helping Wolves achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2009.

After scoring 64 goals in 193 games for Wolves before breaking his leg, Ebanks-Blake struggled when he was reunited with former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy at Ipswich, making just two starts - and failing to score - during his six-month spell.

"The manager was very straight with me and that is what I have needed," said Ebanks-Blake.

"From the first day I came in the opportunity was presented to me to be a part of something and I have worked hard ever since to earn a contract."