PRESTON'S chief scout Clive Middlemiss is hovering around stricken French side Nice in the hope that North End could pick up a summer bargain.

The French outfit are facing relegation to the French Third Division over financial irregularities and such a punishment would inevitably lead to players becoming available.

Brown said: "If they are found guilty and relegated, then all their players would become available.

"I know Premiership managers are aware of the situation but I don't think they will be looking for the same sort of players as us.

"We are looking for players who will take us into the Premiership and if there is anyone outstanding we might be lucky."