Ward in North End's sights

Preston and Sheffield United are tipped to be leading the race to sign Coventry defender Elliott Ward on loan.

Ward has already rejected a loan move to Notts County despite the Sky Blues signing Richard Wood this week.

Ward was offered the chance of regular first-team football with the League Two side after Wood's arrival from Sheffield Wednesday pushed him further down the pecking order at the Ricoh Arena.

The centre-back has been told that he doesn't figure in boss Chris Coleman's plans but he was not interested in moving to Meadow Lane, however staying in the Championship would appeal more.

Southampton have also been linked with the 24-year-old who could soon be on the move.

North End landed midfielder Michael Tonge on loan from Stoke this week ahead of the deadline on November 26.