Brown asks for McFadden price

The 19-year-old midfielder is one of the hottest properties north of the border, with a string of clubs keeping tabs on his progress.

But former Scottish national coach Brown has upped the ante in the race to snap up McFadden by asking 'Well how much it would take to entice the teenager away from Fir Park.

Brown has already had one bid rejected by the SPL outfit and is determined to lure McFadden to Deepdale.

The First Division side's initial offer is believed to have been £200,000 with 'Well manager Terry Butcher previously stating McFadden would cost ten times that amount.

However, Brown is now waiting for a response from Butcher before deciding whether to increase his original offer.

"We received notification by fax that they had turned down our original offer so I have sent Motherwell a fax back asking them how much they would be prepared to accept to let him go," Brown told the club's official website.

"He is a fantastic talent and one who would fit in very well here at Deepdale."

If Brown receives the green light from Bucther to speak to McFadden, the North End chief will have to convince the youngster he would be involved in the first team.

McFadden has already revealed he would be unwilling to move to England merely to play in the reserves and is content to continue his learning curve at Fir Park.

Meanwhile, Preston are closing in on the capture of Fulham's American midfielder Eddie Lewis.

A fee between the clubs has been agreed and personal terms must now be settled for Lewis to complete a switch to Deepdale.

Lewis is eager to secure first team football while Brown wants a wide midfield player, and with Fulham looking to trim their wage bill, the deal will suit all parties.