ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has confirmed he does not want to lose defender Callum Johnson, who has been the subject of a £300,000 bid from Preston North End.

The right back, a doubt for Saturday's League One game against Bristol Rovers with a groin injury, has been a mainstay of the Reds side since joining from Middlesbrough 18 months ago and is under contract at the Wham Stadium until next summer.

Of the interest in the 22-year-old, Coleman said: "You don't want to lose players who are playing in their first team but everyone has a price and that is the harsh reality of football. But from what I am led to believe they are nowhere near the price."

Stanley have already seen Preston take goalkeeper Connor Ripley, who was on loan with the Reds from Middlesbrough, on a permanent deal.