STEVE Basham could be heading back down to Southampton next week unless North End bosses can persuade him to sign on the dotted line ... for good.

Basham's extended loan period runs out following this weekend's end of season finale at Fulham, leaving Preston to head for the play-offs without the little man who has played such an important role in Preston's promotion push, scoring 10 goals at a crucial time of the season.

League rules dictate that loan players can't play in the play-offs, leaving Preston with just one option if they want the young Southampton star to play in their team - signing him up for good.

Basham's signature on a contract is something the fans have been crying out for since he first stormed onto the turf at Deepdale, but Basham seems more than a little reluctant to put pen to paper on a move up North.

Reports from the South Coast suggested Basham would be reluctant to leave Southampton, citing homesickness as a major factor. But, after nearly three months away from the Dell, Deepdale must at least be starting to feel like home.

If Basham was to return to Southampton and be pushed straight back into the reserves, there is no doubt that many clubs would be very interested in capturing him. His excellent record at Deepdale has put him in the shop window. Indeed, many were surprised that PNE didn't try harder to sign him up before the transfer deadline.

But before the play-offs start, PNE have one more tricky game to negotiate. They finish the season at Craven Cottage, home of second division champions Fulham.

A win would leave North End on a high ahead of the play-offs, while a point would guarantee them a third or fourth spot in the league, giving them home advantage in the second leg of the play-offs.

But retrieving anything from Saturday's game will be a tall order, especially with Preston's injury list growing all the time.

Kurt Nogan is expected to return from injury in time for the play-offs after struggling to recover from a groin strain.

Lee Cartwright, Ryan Kidd and David Eyres will all be missing at the weekend while Mark Rankine is only a maybe.

Although Michael Jackson hurt himself during Saturday's game, he is expected to return for the final match of the season.

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