BBC Radio Lancashire reported today that Preston defender, Sean St Ledger had been left out of todays Preston squad because Darren Freguson was lining up a deal with the Clarets that would see the 25 year old make the short journey down the M65 in a player-cash deal for Leon Cort.
Leon Cort has made an impression at Deepdale since joining them on loan whilst St Ledger has strugged to get in the first team.
This is not the first time, St Ledger has been linked with a move to Turf Moor but this time there could be more to the rumours.
Preston are strapped for cash and are probably unable to raise the asking value for Cort. He cost the Clarets £1.5 million a year ago after Brian Laws signed him from Stoke. Unable to make an impression in the Clarets first team, it perhaps make sense to cut their loses and trade with Preston by exchanging centre backs. The Clarets would be expecting some sort of compensation though considering he is under contract until the Summer of 2013 and the offer of St Ledger plus cash could be an attractive one.
St Ledger, a Republic of Ireland international started his professional career with Peterborough in 2002 after coming through their youth team.
In July 2006 St Ledger signed for Preston North End on a three year contract for a fee of £225,000.
A recognised centre back, St Ledger can also play at full back and even in midfield.
It looked like a permanent move to Middlesbrough was on the cards after agreeing a three month loan spell to the Riverside in September 2009. The defender though could not settle in the North East and returned to Preston.
St Ledger has struggled to get in the Preston first team this season and made his last appearance for the Lilywhites back in November.
Leon Cort was injured for today’s game against St Ledger’s former club, Middlesbrough and it had been thought St Ledger would replace him after recovering from concussion during training.
He did not make the eighteen though and Preston subsequently lost 3-1 at home with his absence fuelling speculation he could be in negotiations with the Clarets about a potential move.
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