Preston refuse Stoke bid to talk to Neil about vacant boss job and report them for ‘illegal approach’

PRESTON have reported Stoke to the EFL for an "illegal approach" after refusing their Championship rivals permission to speak to Alex Neil about their vacant manager's job.

The Potters finally sacked Nathan Jones after just eight points from their opening 14 games left them bottom.

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But Preston over Stoke's interest in ex-Norwich chief Neil.

The Lilywhites said on their website: "Stoke City Football Club have not been given permission to speak our contracted manager Alex Neil.

"As a result of the reports that were made this lunch time, there are now no circumstances under which Stoke City would be given permission to speak to Alex Neil.

"We have today reported Stoke City to the EFL for an illegal approach.

"There will be no further comment at this stage."

The final straw for Jones came when his blunt side lost 2-0 to Millwall last weekend.

And talkSPORT claimed Stoke chiefs have wasted no time in targeting Neil - but it looks like it will come to nothing.

PULIS, HUGHTON ALSO LINKED

Unlike Jones, Scot Neil has made the absolute most of his resources at Preston.

The Deepdale club have made a blistering start to the season, and went into the weekend sitting pretty in second place.

TalkSPORT suggested Neil would be ready to swap his promotion fight with unfancied Preston for a relegation battle with Stoke.

The Scot is still just 38 and is said to be extremely ambitious.

But now Preston have acted in a bid to shut down links with the Potters

Neil has had a taste of the Premier League before after taking Norwich up in the 2014-15 season.

He also has an unlikely promotion with Hamilton Academical on his CV.

The likes of Tony Pulis and Chris Hughton had been linked with the Potters hotseat.

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Ex-Barnsley midfielder Neil is due to be in the dugout as Preston face Charlton at The Valley tomorrow.

Meanwhile Stoke are due to face Slaven Bilic's West Brom on Monday night.

And with Rory Delap taking temporary charge, the Potters desperately need to start picking up points if they are to turn their so far atrocious season around.