By Paul Holmes
July 8 2002

Preston North End have rejected a second improved bid from West Brom for captain Sean Gregan. The first bid of £1million was called 'derisory' by Preston and forced Baggies boss Gary Megson to go away and plan a new bid for the classy midfielder.

The new bid is believed to be a slight improvement on the original offer with further payments dependant on apperances and if West Brom stay in the Premiership. It seems clear that The Baggies are trying to get Gregan as cheap as possible with the knowledge that Preston, like all other Division 1 clubs, hit hard by the TV deal fiasco.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Preston Chief Executive Tony Shields told of the bid. "West Brom have come back with a slightly improved offer but it still does not represent our value of the player."

Newly appointed Baggies Managing Director told their official site that he disagreed with the Preston view but remained confident that the Baggies would capture Gregan."Sean Gregan is someone Gary Megson rates very highly and we are very serious about bringing him to The Hawthorns.

"But we have a realistic valuation of the player and negotiations are continuing.

"Preston’s response is not an unusual reaction from a club involved in the negotiating process."