Cambridge United have signed Preston North End's English goalkeeper Jack Walton on an emergency loan deal. The signing was made after their first-choice keeper, Jake Eastwood, was suspended. Manager Neil Harris explained that while substitute Ben Hughes performed well after Eastwood was sent off against Notts County, it was considered too great a risk to start him in a pivotal upcoming game. Harris added that the club had received excellent references for Walton and that the player was very eager to join and play. The 27-year-old Walton has made five appearances for Preston this season. Walton joined Preston in July 2025 and is under contract until June 2028, with a current Transfermarkt valuation of €500k.