PRESTON North End face a battle to hang on to super sub keeper David Lucas as the transfer deadline approaches.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Wimbledon are all believed to be chasing the services on the England-U21 star, who has made a massive impression during his stint between the posts while regular keeper Tuevo Moilanen has been out with a rib injury.

All three Premiership clubs are looking for goalkeeping back-up but sources in London suggest it will be Wimbledon who make the first move.

Joe Kinnear and his scouts have watched Lucas several times this season and he caught the eye of the nation with several spectacular saves during the FA Cup game against Arsenal which was broadcast on Sky Sports.

Wimbledon have been struggling to find cover for first choice keeper Neil Sullivan in recent months and Lucas would fit the bill perfectly, particularly after Moilanen returns to first team action, relegating Lucas back to the bench.

Meanwhile, North End fans wouldn't be surprised if Lucas moved to Manchester United. Terrace talk has it that Peter Schmeichel, who is retiring from the English football at the end of this season, has recommended Lucas as a possible replacement.

Offers from such clubs would be hard for Lucas, who readily admits he harbours ambitions of making it into the England first team, to resist. But for Preston manager David Moyes, the prospect of losing Lucas would be a bitter pill to swallow, especially at this crucial stage of the season.

He wants all the vultures to know that none of his players are for sale.

He said: "Clubs looking at my players will all be told the same. Any approach is a waste of time. No one will be sold before deadline."

As yet, no firm offers have been made but there is a genuine fear inside Deepdale that as the March 25 deadline approaches, it is only a matter of time.

Striker Kurt Nogan, another PNE player who shone in front of the TV cameras against Arsenal, is also the subject of transfer talk. Hearts are believed to be the frontrunners, but, like Wimbledon, have yet to make a formal approach.

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