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Preston North End face competition from two Championship rivals for Robbie Keane, whilst both Everton coach Leighton Baines and Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley are also in the frame for the vacancy at Deepdale.

Preston face competition from two Championship rivals for the signature of Irish boss Keane, who has recently emerged as a contender following the dismissal of Heckingbottom.

The Lilywhites are also reportedly considering moves for Everton coach Baines and Plymouth boss Cleverley, as their search for a successor to the former Sheffield United boss looks to be heading into the international break.

Preston North End face battle for Robbie Keane as Leighton Baines and Tom Cleverley are considered

It was reported by Nixon on Thursday that Preston were interested in Keane, who has previously held managerial roles with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros to great success.

The 46-year-old former Irish striker stepped down from his role with the Budapest-based outfit at the end of last season, and his next could well come in the United Kingdom, as now two Championship rivals have joined Preston in the chase for his services, whilst Celtic could return for a move of their own should they part ways with Martin O’Neill.

Preston remain the only English second-tier side at this stage to have dismissed a manager, though with the international break coming up, that looks almost certain to change sooner rather than later.

Nixon has also reported that Everton coach Baines and Plymouth boss Cleverley are two other names those in the club’s hierarchy have in mind, as the Lilywhites will use this international break as an opportunity to collect their thoughts ahead of this huge decision.