Jewell not keen to sell Leacock

Preston link for defender dismissed

Last updated: 20th August 2008

Dean Leacock

Leacock: Unlikely to leave

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Paul Jewell has played down reports that Derby County defender Dean Leacock is on his way to Preston North End.

Leacock has yet to make a first-team appearance for Derby this season and has been linked with a move to Championship rivals Preston.

Derby boss Jewell is aware of the rumours concerning the centre-half, but says there has been no bid from his Preston counterpart Alan Irvine.

And, following Alan Stubbs' retirement due to injury, Jewell admits he is not in a position to lose Leacock, unless the player asks to leave.

"I was told that Alan Irvine was going to ring me three weeks ago, he has not called me back and I don't know what that was about," Jewell told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"I have not heard anything from Preston about Dean Leacock and we are not overloaded for centre-halves at the moment, so unless it is a good offer, if there is an offer, or unless Dean wants to go, he will be staying here."

Leacock has made 70 appearances for Derby since moving to Pride Park from Fulham two years ago.