FLYING North End winger Kevin Kilbane was yesterday (Wednesday May 21) expected to net a £1 million move to West Bromwich Albion.

The highly rated 20-year-old, who has wanted to move from Preston for some time, has long been admired by Hawthornes' boss Ray Harford.

But PNE Managing Director Derek Shaw said it could be some time before the deal was finalised - and confirmed Albion midfielder Julian Darby could move to Deepdale as part of the package.

Shaw said: "We're still talking. West Brom are very interested in Kevin but he's not even discussed personal terms yet. But he's very interested in moving to further his career."

And he slammed rumours that Kilbane was on his way out because of stick he received from a small section of the Deepdale faithful last season.

He said: "I don't think Kevin is unsettled. He's a professional who knows his form was not 100 per cent all the time last season. He knows you have to take the ups and downs."

The North End MD also spoke of the capture this week of two new players - experienced Gary Parkinson from Burnley and Manchester United youngster Colin Murdock.

He said: "We're very excited. They should help us make a strong push for promotion next year."

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