Preston North End boss Alex Neil hopes for clarity on futures of key players to avoid distractions at Deepdale

Speaking on Monday morning at a press conference to preview the Carabao Cup visit to Derby County, Neil admitted some of the speculation surrounding players was unsettling.

Daniel Johnson is subject of interest from Rangers and Ben Davies has been linked with a move to Bournemouth.

Both are in the final year of their contracts at Deepdale, as are Ben Pearson and Alan Browne.

Neil said: "We currently have too many situations which are unanswered. What I mean about that is we have got players with eight or nine months on their contracts left and they are thinking 'Where am I going to be, am I going to try and get a Bosman in January or going to move in the summer'?

"We have teams showing interest in our players which is unsettles things so I think clarity is needed but I'm not sure how that clarity comes along.

"As soon as we get that clarity and know exactly where we are, the easier it makes it for everyone.

"At the moment there are so many unanswered questions. It can be quite unsettling not only for the players involved but the others as well."

Neil says the clarity needed can come from different people, including the players themselves.

"It's a bit of both really," said Neil.

"From the players themselves we need to understand if they are going to sign on. If they are, get them signed up and get it done.

"If other teams are going to come in and try to take them away, come in and make a proper offer and let's see where we are.

"It's easy for me to say because I'm not involved in that side of stuff but it can be frustrating because I'm trying to get my team ready, get them focused and all those distractions doesn't help anything."