EWOOD chief Graeme Souness today revealed Damien Johnson will not be offered a new contract by Rovers -- leaving the door open for a possible swoop by Preston boss David Moyes.

Northern Ireland international, Johnson, is set to become a free agent in the summer when his existing deal runs out.

And Souness has now sparked a chase for his services -- with North End and Birmingham City set to lead the running -- by stating he has no plans to try and persuade the 23-year-old to stay.

"We won't be offering Damien a new contract when his present one runs out," said Souness.

Johnson's future has been the subject of speculation for some time, especially since he has slipped behind Keith Gillespie and Craig Hignett in the pecking order.

But now the club are facing up to the prospect of possibly losing him for next-to-nothing so they may now decide to cash in before the summer instead, with Moyes thought to be waiting in the wings.

However, I can reveal Birmingham have also expressed an interest in the versatile midfielder, although Rovers have yet to receive an official offer from anyone for the former Academy youngster.