PRESTON midfielder Michael Appleton is discussing personal terms with First Division rivals West Bromwich Albion after North End accepted a bid -- thought to be £750,000.

The 25-year-old cost £500,000 -- then Preston's record buy -- when he joined Deepdale from Manchester United in August 1997.

But Appleton and the club have failed to agree a new deal as his contract runs out in the summer and North End have said they have 'reluctantly' accepted the bid for him.

Salford-born Appleton has secured a regular place in recent seasons in Preston's rise from the Second Division relegation zone to First Division play-off hopefuls.

Moyes had nurtured him until he was ready for first team action in his three seasons there and Appleton has chipped in with five goals this term -- most spectacular long-term efforts.

Both the management and fans will be disappointed to see him go.

If the Appleton deal does go through, then it's likely boss David Moyes will step up his search to find a replacement this week ahead of Saturday's clash with Wolves where they need to arrest a slide of six defeats in seven games.

Meanwhile, Northern Irleland boss Sammy McIlroy has said David Healy's £1.5m move from Manchester United to Preston should work in the youngsters favour. The 21-year old has done well so far for his country scoring five goals in seven international games.

"It is a good move for him. He needs regular first team football.

"He's already got two goals for Preston and they are a decent club.

"David Moyes is an up and coming manager and David should do well.

"I tend to go to Preston a lot as there is also Colin Murdock and Steve Robinson there and it's good to keep an eye on all of them."

He has, though, advised Healy to change his mobile phone message.

"It's crazy! It starts off on one voice, changes to a female and then cuts off. It's a wierd answerphone!"

Birmingham City have been told by the Football League to reschedule their Worthington Cup semi-final second leg clash with Ipswich Town at St Andrews.

The game was originally due to be played on Wednesday, January 24, but has now been switched to Tuesday, January 30.

The original date clashed with Aston Villa's home Premiership game with Leeds United and police expressed concerns about having two high-profile games in the city on the same night.