GREEDY players aren't welcome here -- that's the message from Preston North End who say they will not be held to ransom by players after huge wages.

Several bids for players are believed to have been scuppered by the personal demands requested by agents.

North End have promised fans they won't hesitate in smashing their transfer record to bring in new talent -- but players must be prepared to fit into the club's existing pay structure.

A spokesman said: "Some of the wages being mentioned are prohibitive. "Players who command large fees usually demand high earnings and we need to be careful.

"We are aware that a new face or two would be very useful and there is cash available to make such purchases."

North End paid out some £500,000 for Michael Appleton from Manchester United in 1997.

Tight budgeting and Moyes' reluctance to splash the cash willy-nilly has prevented the club's transfer bill spiralling out of control.

However, should Moyes see a player worth splashing out for, the club will back him all the way.

The spokesman added: "However, sometimes it isn't the fee; it is the price of the overall package." North End have also reassured fans that Moyes has money at his disposal, despite the ambitious redevelopment of Deepdale starting sooner than expected.

The spokesman added: "We have budgeted for the ground development separately and our supporters can rest assured that money for transfers is unaffected.

"David Moyes is aware of the situation and the position is the same as always.

"When the manager has identified the player he wants, we will do everything possible to get them."

Moyes still has transfer issues outstanding with Iain Anderson, who wants to move to Deepdale but is being held back his club Toulouse who are after £700,000, and Brett Angell, who has been offered a one year deal but wants two years instead.

The club have decided not to pursue at interest in Bristol Rovers' striker Jason Roberts, who has been priced in the £2 million bracket.

Moyes seems to be concentrating on bringing in a centre half - as revealed in last week's Citizen - and a striker.

He has already admitted he is looking to Europe to find fresh faces and this week went to Euro 2000 with a party from Scotland to brush up on international coaching techniques.

The visit also provided him with the ideal opportunity to watch international-level players he wouldn't have otherwise had chance to view.

Back home, Mark Rankine and Paul McKenna have pledged their long term future to North End, joining Jon Macken, Tepi Moilanen and Colin Murdock, who committed their support to Deepdale at the end of the season.

The midfield duo's contract extensions have been announced even though both players have a year to run on their existing deals.

Moyes said: "Both players did excellent jobs for us last season and they are players we value highly.

"Mark gives us a lot of qualities while Paul can play on both wings and in the middle, and I want as many adaptable players as possible."

Sean Gregan, it was announced this week, should be fit for the new season.