Preston have moved a step close to appointing Graham Westley as their new manager after agreeing a compensation package with fellow npower League One side Stevenage.
North End have been on the look-out for a new boss since the departure of Phil Brown in mid-December, with Graham Alexander and David Unsworth taking temporary charge at Deepdale.
A club statement read: "Preston North End FC can confirm they have come to an agreement with Stevenage FC on a compensation package for manager Graham Westley and his assistants John Dreyer and Dino Maamria."
The statement continued: "Preston North End will now aim to conclude discussions with the management trio.
"An announcement will be made once a conclusion has been reached."
Stevenage captain Mark Roberts takes over as player-manager for the trip to Rochdale on Saturday.
Chairman Phil Wallace told the club's official website, www.stevenagefc.com: "We would like to thank Graham for all he has done for the football club.
"In the time he has been with the club we have developed into a successful Football League outfit with two promotions and exciting cup triumphs under his management."
