Southport chairman Charlie Clapham is puzzled by reports of Preston interest in striker Liam Watson. Reports in Lancashire have linked the Lillywhites with a move for former player Watson, who has guided the Sandgrounders to third place in the Blue Square Bet Premier this season.

Clapham told the Non League Paper: "At the moment this is all speculation."

He added: "There has been no contact from Preston North End to Southport, in any way, shape or form.

"It is a credit to Liam that he would be linked.

"He was there as a player many years ago, but it is also proof that he is recognised locally for the fantastic job he's done at Southport."

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