Preston are 15th in the Championship, but only six points off the play-offs

Manager Alan Irvine has admitted Preston are unlikely to be involved in any major deals during the January transfer window.

Irvine has also dismissed speculation that Burnley are interested in signing goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan.

"I've heard the rumour but not heard anything from Burnley," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Andy recently signed a new contract and he's very happy here and feels he's developing very well."

Irvine added: "Owen Coyle's [Burnley manager] not asked me about him and I don't think anything's been done from board level to board level either.

"He's a very important player for us and knowing Andy he won't go anywhere where he doesn't think it's right.

I wish that I could say that he was coming back but he isn't Preston manager Alan Irvine

"We know the situation at Preston. Everybody's got their price but Andy's would be a very hefty one if anyone came asking. I certainly hope they don't and I think it would take something special to prise him away from here - both in terms of the club and Andy himself.

Although he is keen to add to his squad should the finances become available, Irvine believes there is little chance of recruiting new players.

"I don't expect we'll be doing too much in January," he said.

"I've not been told by the chairman that there's any money available and I'm not expecting to make any signings. But I'll try and do my work in case something does suddenly come up."

Irvine also confirmed that Sean St. Ledger's permanent transfer to Middlesbrough will go through on 1 January.

The 24-year-old defender moved to the Riverside on loan in September.

"It was a deal that was done when he moved on loan," he said. "It had to be done that way because of the rules. I wish that I could say that he was coming back but he isn't.

"One of the reasons that he went to Middlesbrough was that because Gareth Southgate (former manager) could teach him some extra things.

"But although Gareth's gone Gordon Strachan is a very good manager and I'm sure he can teach Sean plenty of things as well."

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