Preston transfer news: Lilywhites linked with divisional rivals' midfielder, ex-Derby County man eyes second-tier return

As things stand, the Lilywhites are sitting 16th in the table, and barring a major collapse, are on course for a solid mid-table finish, setting the foundations for an improved 2021/22 campaign.

The last time Preston played the Potters, back in September, Tom Barkhuizen's early sending off catalysed the Lilywhites' downfall, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Deepdale.

Speaking ahead of the game, Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman discussed interim head coach Frankie McAvoy being the ninth manager he's worked under in his career thus far, and claimed: “When someone comes in with new, fresh ideas you have to take it board, that is part of being a professional.

“Looking back through my career, experiencing those changes has probably benefited me. When you’ve not had that chop and change, you can find it difficult to settle in with a new manager.

“At first-team level I have been managed by Nigel Clough, Nigel Adkins, Chris Wilder, Steve Evans, Darren Ferguson, Grant McCann, Darren Moore, Alex Neil and Frankie McAvoy. All of them have had their own ideas on how they want you to play the game.”

Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the weekend's action continues: