Preston boss Alan Irvine insists Seán St Ledger will complete his move to Middlesbrough when the transfer window reopens. The Republic of Ireland centre back, currently on loan at Boro, has been linked with a return to Deepdale following the end of his loan at the Riverside Stadium.

However, Irvine insists a permanent €5million deal will be completed in the coming days.

Irvine said: “Sean will sign on January 1st for Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. It was always going to be a permanent deal. I wish I could say Seán was coming back, but he’s not.”