But Preston chairman Derek Shaw insists claims they are headed to Deepdale are unfounded.
North End made an enquiry for Iron striker Billy Sharp earlier in the summer, but are unlikely to be able to match Scunthorpe's asking price.
"There was a story talking about Commons and Holt from Forest, and as far as I know that is just paper talk. There is nothing at all in that story," said Shaw.
"We've got four or five targets which the manager (Paul Simpson) identified and that we would like to bring to the club. One or two of those names have been mentioned in the media but there is nothing in the Commons and Holt story.
"All this rumour and speculation only leads to frustration among the fans."