OUT-of-favour striker Kurt Nogan has been linked with an astonishing move to arch rivals Blackpool.

The rumour of a loan deal, flagged up on a teletext advert for an unofficial premium rate PNE call line, has been rubbished by both David Moyes and chairman Bryan Gray.

The story should come as no surprise to PNE however, as Preston currently boast a staggering five strikers, all quality players good enough for first team places.

Nogan, last season's top-scorer, has struggled with injury this season, and now faces competition from in-form Jon Macken, wonder-signing Steve Basham, the impressive Alex Mathie and Icelandic international Bjarki Gunlaugsson for a starting place.

His rocky relationship with manager David Moyes has been well-publicised, and he was linked with several clubs over the summer.

But a spokesman for North End blasted the story. He said: "The reports are completely false. We have no intention of selling Kurt or any player here."

Despite their perilous position both financially and in the league, Blackpool would prove an attractive prospect for a player struggling to get in to the first place.

After clearing out their big-earners, Blackpool could afford Nogan's wage demands, and a proven striker appears to be just what the Seasiders need.

And if Nogan could start scoring regularly for a team while on loan, the Welsh FA would surely take notice of him again, as they did last season.

The North End spokesman still insisted that the rumours were unfounded though, adding: "We do not need to get rid of anyone. Let's not forget that we only actually have three strikers who are our own players."

Blackpool manager Nigel Worthington is still searching for a striker after the Department of Employment refused to grant a work permit for Estonian Ace Indrek Zelinski.

Carol Banks, Company Secretary at BFC, said: "Nigel has not discussed this with me. As far as I know, it is all unconfirmed at the moment."

Nogan is not the only player to have been linked with a move out of Deepdale.

One of the more extraordinary rumours to have found its way to the Press Box at Deepdale involves Tepi Moilanen, who, it is said, is only playing at the moment in the hope that someone will see him an buy him!

The rumour has been rubbished by North End, who, with their mounting injury worries, can ill-afford to lose anyone.

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