TURF Moor fans' favourite David Eyres is expected to sign for Preston North End in the next 24 hours.

Transfer speculation peaked today that the Clarets skipper would be joining Burnley's Lancashire rivals.

And if a fee and personal terms can be thrashed out, Eyres could sign for Preston in time to make his Deepdale debut against Plymouth Argyle next Saturday.

But Clarets player-manager Chris Waddle, clearly irritated by the increased speculation, was today still denying that Preston were displaying genuine interest in the Clarets captain.

Waddle rapped: "I'm mystified by the whole thing.

"Like everybody else I've heard all the talk about David Eyres going to Preston and it doesn't do anybody any good to hear it. I've not spoken to Gary Peters or anybody else from Preston North End.

"That is fact. I've had nobody ringing up and asking me if David Eyres is for sale.

"I don't like to see players unsettled and speculation like this does a player no good at all and can be damaging to a club." But the situation looks certain to change. And I expect Peters to follow up his interest with a concrete bid for Eyres.

Waddle added: "Every player has his price but I don't really want to sell any of the players in my current first team squad. "David Eyres is my captain and an influential member of the team."

Meanwhile, Paul Smith could make a welcome return to action in tomorrow's reserve team fixture action against Stockport County at Turf Moor tomorrow (7.15pm).

Smith missed the start of the campaign with a broken foot but Waddle hopes he will be able to include the youngster for at least an hour.

Waddle said: "Paul Smith is very close now and hopefully he will play tomorrow.

"It will be like having a new signing on board when Paul Smith is fully fit. His return will give me increased options.

"He will need time to get back to match fitness, but the important thing is that Paul Smith is close to playing again."

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