Preston North End will maintain their interest in midfielder Ryan Ledson, but Oxford United will hold firm, according to the Lancashire Post. 

North End manager Alex Neil and owner Peter Risdale went to watch former Everton man Ledson in an EFL Trophy match against Charlton Athletic at the Valley last week with a view to signing him.

Ledson has 18 months left on his contract with the League One club and they are very reluctant to do a deal in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old missed Oxford's most recent match, a 2-1 defeat to Walsall on Saturday, leading some fans to think that was just a smokescreen and the player was on his way out of the club.

U's manager Pep Clotet said: "The club told me there has been some interest from some clubs but that’s it as far as I’m concerned.

"Our position is the same. We want to finish the transfer window stronger than when we started. All the players who have been here since the beginning of the season contribute to being stronger at the end of the transfer window"

The Verdict

Ledson would be a good signing for Preston and this transfer situation might be similar to Sheffield United's pursuit of Ryan Leonard.

It might be that the League One club can hold off interest until the summer - not wanting to disrupt their season - but if Preston are determined enough, they should get their man in the end. They may just have to be patient.

Preston fans - would you like to sign Ledson? What could he add to your team? Let us know in the comments below...