Duo eye Liddell swoop

Preston North End boss Craig Brown wants to sign Wigan striker Andy Liddell at the end of the season, but faces competition from Sheffield United.

Liddell's current Latics deal expires in the summer and he is due to leave The JJB Stadium on a free transfer.

The former Barsnley man has netted nine times for Paul Jewell's side but he is not sure if the boss sees him in his plans for the future.

North End boss Brown handed Liddell 12 Under-21 caps for Scotland and is keen to have him in his Deepdale squad.

Preston were hoping to swoop for Liddell in the summer but Sheffield United could challenge them for his signature.

Blades boss Neil Warnock has struggled for goals all season and knows a new striker is his top priority in the summer.

Liddell has bags of experience and would surely bring goals to either side, and they will do battle for him at the end of the season.