Preston North End are thought to be close to appointing Simon Grayson as their new manager.

The former Blackpool manager will replace Graham Westley, who left Deepdale by mutual consent last week.

Grayson has been out of work since he was sacked by Championship outfit Huddersfield Town earlier in the season.

He will take charge of a club that is 17th in the League One table and are eight points clear of the relegation zone.