Stoke City set to appoint Preston boss Alex Neil as their new manager after sacking Nathan Jones
Alex Neil is set to be appointed as Stoke City's new manager, talkSPORT understands.
The Scot is poised to quit as boss of Preston North End, who are sitting second in the Championship table, to take over their struggling league rivals.
The Potters made Neil their top target after deciding to axe Nathan Jones just ten months into his reign.
Jones won only six of his 38 games in charge, having left Luton Town in January to succeed Gary Rowett.
It would be a surprising move for Neil, who signed a new three-year deal earlier this year and has Preston riding high in the Championship table.
He would take over a Stoke side which are bottom, four points adrift of safety, having collected just eight points from their 14 games this season.
Preston play Charlton on Sunday while Stoke face West Brom on Monday, by which time they hope to have Neil in charge.
Since this report was published, the Lilywhites have released a statement to accuse Stoke of an illegal approach for their manager.
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It reads: "Preston North End Football Club can confirm the following: 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."