Nugent: I'll only sign if we go up

[Olzy]

David Nugent has promised to sign a new contract if Preston are promoted to the Premiership - but admits he may have to leave if they miss out.

The 21-year-old, who has one year left on his current deal at Deepdale, scored on his England debut in the 3-0 victory over Andorra last month.

Sheffield United had a bid turned down in January and a string of other top-flight clubs have also been linked with the 17-goal frontman.

North End look set for a third successive attempt at gaining promotion through the play-offs with a two-point advantage over the pack chasing the top six, with two games left.

Nugent said: "We've got to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.

"I've said to my agent if we do go up, I want to sign a new deal with Preston. That's for certain.

"But if we don't I might have to leave to further my career. I want to be playing in the Premiership week in, week out, that's where I need to be.

"I want it to be with Preston, but if not, it'll have to be somewhere else.

"I've been here for two and a half seasons now. My aim is to be in the Premiership and I'd like to give Preston a chance in the Premiership."

Nugent is hopeful of being involved in Steve McClaren's squad for the games against Brazil and Estonia in June, although he would also relish being part of the European Under-21 Championships.

He added: "I think I've got a chance (of being selected for the full squad again).

"Wayne Rooney's suspended for the Estonia game and Michael Owen might not be fit so I've still got a great chance of making the squad.

"If not, I've got a great tournament to look forward to with the under-21s.

"I missed out playing at Wembley (for the under-21s in March) but hopefully I can make up for it by scoring the winner for Preston in the play-off final."

[Budgiebasher]

T**t!!

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I don't think Preston will reach promotion so it seems this will be the last season for Nugent in Preston.

[Evertonscouser]

To be honest, i will be gutted if he's not wearing an Everton shirt next season.

[Olzy]

Preston manager Paul Simpson believes it would be "fantastic" for the Championship club to keep England striker David Nugent.

The 21-year-old has promised he will sign a new contract if North End are promoted to the Premiership this summer.

While Nugent has a year to run on his current deal - and Preston would still require compensation when that expires - and Simpson insists there is pressure for a resolution, he admits it would be a major boost to the club if Nugent stayed.

He said: "David Nugent's said all along that he wants to play in the Premiership and that's where we all want to be. If we can get there then I'd like to think we have a good chance of keeping him here.

"If he stays it'd be fantastic for everyone. He's still under contract for another year and under 24 at the end of that contract so there's no desperate rush for us to do anything but I'd be delighted for him to stay here.

"He's just made his England debut and I'm quite sure there would be plenty of Premiership clubs that would like to take him but he knows the environment here. I'm obviously going to say he's better staying but it's not only my opinion that counts unfortunately!"