NORTH End have refused to deny rumours that Kenny Dalglish and Craig Brown are among the candidates for the manager's job.

Yesterday, Preston announced they had a shortlist of five candidates for the post, vacated by David Moyes when he quit for Everton earlier in the season.

Acting manager Kelham O'Hanlon is one of those five, the club have confirmed. They expect to announce their new man - if it isn't O'Hanlon - next month.

National newspaper reporters have linked the ex-Scotland coach Craig Brown with the manager's seat at Deepdale.

While he failed to win anything will in charge of the Tartan Army, he is widely respected within football for having the ability to do wonders with limited resources.

Kenny Dalglish, the ex-Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Newcastle boss, has also been linked with the post.

For him, a move to Deepdale would prove unique. A big money spender in the past, Dalglish would have a tight budget if he came to Preston.

North End are refusing to comment.