Preston chairman Derek Shaw has moved to confirm media speculation that the Club has expressed an interest in Sunderland winger Ross Wallace - but explained that the 23-year-old Scotsman won't be making a move to Deepdale in the immediate future.

Reports in the north east claimed that an offer from PNE had been accepted for the former Scotland U21 international, who has scored eight times in 55 appearances for the Wearside club since arriving at the Stadium of Light two years ago.

The Preston chairman released a statement on Thursday afternoon to back those claims as PNE look to make further inroads into this summer's transfer market.

"I can confirm that we made an offer for Ross Wallace which was accepted by the Sunderland board," he explained.

"However, we have received word back that Ross wants to fight for his place in the Sunderland side in the hope of maintaining his status as a Premier League footballer, which we can fully understand.

"We will continue to back manager Alan Irvine throughout the summer as he continues to identify the right players to take Preston North End forward."