Sunderland have struck the first blow in the fight for David Nugent's signature after holding talks with the £6million-rated striker today. Club officials met the 22-year-old in the north-west after being given permission, along with another unnamed club, by Preston.
West Ham are thought to be the other club to have formalised their interest in Nugent, who has also been linked with Everton, Derby, Blackburn and Birmingham during a frenzy of speculation.
Preston confirmed there had been a development in the player's situation this morning following his return from international duty with England at the European Under-21 Championships in Holland yesterday.
Chairman Derek Shaw said: "Two clubs have been given permission to speak to David Nugent. It is now down to David Nugent to speak to them both
"We respect the clubs' request not to state who they are. At this moment in time, we will not be saying anymore."
There was no comment from the Wearsiders, who were annoyed that their interest in Nugent had leaked out last week.
Chairman Niall Quinn confirmed an approach had been made, but that they had been told the former Bury frontman would make no decision until his return from Holland.
Knowing that competition for the player's signature could be stiff despite friends suggesting he has already decided the Stadium of Light is where his future lies, Sunderland have wasted little time in making their move.
Despite manager Roy Keane's spending power West Ham have already demonstrated they are prepared to compete with anybody in terms of both transfer fees and wages despite missing out on a series of targets already.
They were heavily linked with both Mark Viduka and Joey Barton, who opted instead to join Newcastle despite the lucrative contracts on offer, while Charlton striker Darren Bent has turned down a £17million switch to Upton Park.
Keane knows he may not be able to compete on that front, but will hope he can persuade Nugent he can further his career - he has already been capped at senior international level - on Wearside.
The striker scored 17 goals for Preston last season, 15 of them in the Coca-Cola Championship, where Keane had a chance to have a look at him at close hand.
He claimed the only goal as North End followed up their 4-1 home victory over the Black Cats with a 1-0 league win at the Stadium of Light on December 30th, and was also in the side which dumped Sunderland out of the FA Cup third round by the same scoreline at Deepdale a week later.
Meanwhile, Keane's hopes of landing Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen appear to have been dashed by the Finland international's decision to see out the final year of his contract at the Reebok Stadium.
Jaaskelainen's agent, Peter Harrison, said: "Jussi is happy to stay at Bolton for the last year of his contract. He is part of the fixtures and fittings there and everyone knows, he will still give 100 per cent for the club."
Jaaskelainen, 32, is understood to want a long-term contract with Wanderers, but with no such deal on offer, is ready to consider his options at the end of the campaign. PA
