Preston are demanding £3 million sterling in compensation from Everton for manager David Moyes.
Relegation-threatened Everton want Moyes to succeed Walter Smith, who was sacked yesterday. Moyes has agreed personal terms with the Barclaycard Premiership strugglers, but before Everton can get their man they must thrash out a compensation deal with Preston.
Acting Preston chairman Derek Shaw conceded the Division One outfit are demanding £3 million for the Scotsman's services.
"David has accepted what Everton have put forward to him and it's now down to the clubs to sort out a compensation package," Shaw said. "The first offer was a derisory one. We weren't happy with that figure.
"We've just sold a player [Jon Macken to Manchester City] for £5 million and quite frankly we'd rather have the manager".
"It is £3 million [the compensation figure Preston are seeking]. Personally, I feel that if we've accepted £5 million for a player, why can't we have £3 million for our manager?"
Asked if Preston might be willing to drop their compensation demand to secure a deal, Shaw replied: "Let's see what comes back. We are talking to Everton".