YOUNG midfielder Michael Keane found himself at the centre of Preston's transfer spotlight - being told he will have the final say on whether his loan to Grimsby becomes a permanent move.

Keane, who has struggled with injury and was sent to the Mariners ahead of the transfer deadline to get a bit of first team action.

But now the relegated coastal team have asked if the move can be made a permanent one and have begun talks with PNE over a fee.

Keane has two more years on his contract at Deepdale, and Craig Brown insists the Irish players remains in his plans.

But with Brian O'Neil, Dickson Etuhu and Paul McKenne all battling for central midfield roles, Keane could find himself well down the pecking order, where as at Grimsby he is more likely to see first team action at a club desperate to make a quick return to the first division.