Notts sign Karl Hawley.

Notts County manager Ian McParland has today completed his ninth summer signing in the form of Preston North End striker Karl Hawley, who has moved to Meadow Lane from Deepdale for an undisclosed fee. The former Carlisle United striker has been a long-term transfer target for the Magpies and they have now got their man, who will compete with Lee Hughes and Luke Rodgers for a starting berth upfront.

Hawley smashed 26 goals last time he was at this level with Carlisle United and a further 12 in League One for the Cumbrians before linking up with Paul Simpson at Preston. He has, however, struggled for game time at Deepdale since Simpson was replaced by Alan Irvine and will be hoping to rebuild his career at Meadow Lane after making the move. The former Walsall trainee will be hoping to make his Notts debut when the Magpies face Bradford City in the season's opening game on Saturday.

It could prove to be an interesting week at Meadow Lane still, with Ian McParland hoping to bolster his squad further before the big kick-off.