Preston deny Lonergan bid claims

Lonergan has made 97 appearances for Preston

Preston chairman Derek Shaw has denied claims that they have received any bids for goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan.

Newspaper reports from East Anglia suggested that Ipswich had offered a seven-figure sum for the 24-year-old.

But Shaw told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I have received one phone call from Ipswich, they asked about Andrew and were told he is not for sale.

"Contrary to reports we've not received any bids whatsoever, certainly not a seven-figure sum I can assure you."

They were told he is not for sale and we have no intention of selling him Derek Shaw

Manager Alan Irvine regards the former England Under-21 international as the best goalkeeper in the Championship.

And Shaw was keen to re-enforce the club's position that the Preston-born keeper is part of their long-term plans.

"The conversation didn't get that far, they were told he is not for sale and we have no intention of selling him," the chairman added.

Lonergan's understudy Wayne Henderson has missed almost a year with a back injury and is still not available to return to training.