Preston manager Alan Irvine is confident of keeping his best players out of the clutches of rival clubs.

Long-serving playmaker Paul McKenna has been the subject of interest from Coca-Cola Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.

Highly-rated defender Sean St Ledger and goalkeeper Andy Lonergan are also reported to be targets for Premier League clubs.

However, Irvine said: "We will fight very hard to keep all of our best players.

"I'm trying to build something here and the last thing I want is a weaker squad to work with on July 1.

"I'm hoping to have a stronger squad."