Last Updated: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:31
Neil Mellor has pleaded with Preston to hold on to Paul McKenna, ahead of an expected fresh bid from Nottingham Forest.
So far the Preston board have resisted two offers, believed to be around £650,000, for the experienced midfielder. North End's resolve looks set to be further tested next week though, when Forest are expected to increase their offer for the 31-year-old.
Mellor believes it is vital McKenna stays at the club to help drive another promotion push next season.
"We don't want to lose our top players and Paul is one of the best we have," said the striker.
"He has proved our leader on the field for many years and we need characters like that in the dressing room. He is a big part of the fabric of Preston North End, a one-club man, which is a rarity in the modern age when players move clubs so many times in their careers."
McKenna, who passed Sir Tom Finney's record of 472 appearances for Preston last season, worked with Billy Davies at Deepdale and is understood to be keen to link up with the Scot once again.