Preston have reported Stoke to the EFL over an alleged illegal approach of their manager Alex Neil.
talkSPORT reported earlier today that the Potters were trying to appoint the current Lilywhites boss after sacking Nathan Jones yesterday.
Neil, who signed a new three-year deal with Preston in April, is contracted to the club until 2022.
Following our report, Preston released a statement to announce they will refuse Stoke permission to make an official approach for Neil.
It read: “Preston North End Football Club can confirm the following: Stoke City Football Club have not been given permission to speak our contracted manager Alex Neil.
“As a result of the reports that were made this lunch time, there are now no circumstances under which Stoke City would be given permission to speak to Alex Neil.
“We have today reported Stoke City to the EFL for an illegal approach.
“There will be no further comment at this stage.”
The Potters moved quickly for Neil after deciding to axe Jones just ten months into his reign.
Jones won only six of his 38 games in charge, having left Luton Town in January to succeed Gary Rowett.
It would have been a surprising move for Neil, who has Preston riding high in the Championship table.
He would’ve taken over a Stoke side who are second-bottom, four points adrift of safety, having collected just eight points from their 14 games this season.
Preston play Charlton on Sunday while Stoke face West Brom on Monday.
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