Alan Irvine says Nottingham Forest have not come up with a new bid for Preston North End skipper Paul McKenna – and that's the way he wants it to stay.
Big-spending Forest have snapped up Liverpool winger Paul Anderson for £250,000 – following hot on the heels of strikers David McGoldrick and Dele Adebola.
Last week, Deepdale chairman Derek Shaw dismissed claims Forest had made a third offer for McKenna, Preston's longest-serving player.
"I've not heard anything fresh from Forest and I don't want to either," Irvine told the Evening Post.
"I want Paul McKenna to be in my team on the first day of the season and I'm hopeful he will be.
"I made him Preston captain, and I played Paul in nearly every game last season – he's a vital part of the squad.
"He has a massive role to play here and I don't want to lose him."
Irvine stunned West Bromwich Albion by saying 'no' to the chance of taking over at The Hawthorns.
"The decision I made – to stay at Preston – I think tells the supporters that I want to strengthen the squad if that is possible.
"I want us to get better – I wouldn't have stayed if I thought we'd be weaker come August 8.
"However, if Forest do renew their interest then we'd have to look at it, and on the merit of that offer.
"It is the same for any club, you have to consider all options, for the player involved, the club and what money is on the table.
"That is the way in football, but I'm very keen for Paul McKenna to remain at Deepdale."
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