BURNLEY are understood to have followed up an initial enquiry about Preston left winger Keith Treacy, which North End chairman Maurice Lindsay described as “casual”.

At the time of Burnley’s first approach for the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international, Lindsay said: “It was a lightweight enquiry really, asking about his situation.”

However, I understand subsequent contact has had more substance as Howe looks to add to his left-sided options.

And that could lead to Treacy following in Ross Wallace’s footsteps 12 months after the left winger moved from Deepdale to Turf Moor in a £1million deal.

Treacy, who joined Preston from Blackburn Rovers in February 2010, has spoken of his desire to leave the Lilywhites following relegation to League One.

“I feel maybe the Championship or the Premiership at a push would be ideal for me. I think I’m a little bit better than League One if I’m being honest,” said Treacy, who has been open with manager Phil Brown about his situation.

“We had a meeting and he’s just put a price on my head and said, ‘if it gets met, all well and good, we won’t hold you back’.

“We’ll have to wait and see now if a club is interested or what’s going to happen but I’m hopeful because I want to play at the highest level I possibly can.”

However, Preston chairman Lindsay is ready to put up a fight.

“We will only be letting players go if it suits us,” he said.

“I would be totally against Keith Treacy leaving, he is such an exciting player on the ball and can be a prolific goalscorer from the wing when he’s on form.”