Ben Pearson's time at Preston North End looks to be over after manager Alex Neil revealed the midfielder's transfer stance over the weekend.

Pearson - a 2016 signing from Manchester United - has told the club that he will not be extending his contract beyond the summer in what will be a bitter blow to Preston fans who rank him as one of their favourites.

According to Football Insider, Pearson was one of three players who were offered club-record contracts to remain at Deepdale, but that was rejected and he now looks set to move on either this month or in July.

Of course North End were prepared for this eventuality though, and have already brought in two players to cover their potential losses in Doncaster captain Ben Whiteman and Brighton loanee Jayson Molumby, but the influence of Pearson will be hard to replace as there doesn't seem to be many out there that can do all the things he can on the pitch.

With two weeks left of the January transfer window though, what is the latest regarding a potential Pearson departure from the Lancashire club?

Quiz: The top 16 Preston North End record player departures – Which club did they join though?

The Daily Mail reported a few weeks back that Brentford and West Brom had joined Celtic - who have been in contact with Pearson in regards to a pre-contract deal according to Sky Sports - in the race for the 26-year-old.

In a press conference building up to North End's midweek clash with Birmingham City, Neil updated PNE fans on the latest in regards to Pearson, and has admitted that he would like to move him on this month in order for the club to at least recoup some cash.

"Ben Pearson is still part of the squad, we want to keep him but ultimately these lads have forced our hand to sign other players," said Neil, per LancsLive.

"My relationship with Ben hasn't changed, I don't want it to sour and he's a quality player."

It certainly seems as though North End are publicly pushing for clubs to make an offer for their number four and it may come down to an auction near the end of the window.

The only issue is that the decision may be taken out of their hands with Pearson able to sign a pre-contract with any club not in the English league, so if Celtic's interest is genuine then they can take as long as they want to seal the deal and starve North End of any transfer fee they may be wanting to recoup.