Sedgwick has played 242 times for Preston since joining in 2004

Barnsley's bid to bring Preston duo Chris Sedgwick and Stephen Elliott to Oakwell has collapsed.

Republic of Ireland striker Elliott has been told he can leave Deepdale, with the contract of winger Sedgwick coming to an end in the summer.

Preston boss Darren Ferguson told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It looked for a bit that it was going to happen.

"I've said to the pair of them that if it doesn't work out you come back and be treated like everyone else."

Elliott, 26, has been limited to three league starts this season but 29-year-old Sedgwick has been more of a regular starting Ferguson's first two matches in charge.

Ferguson said: "I'm never one for saying they will never play for me or they are not in my plans.

"We've got five strikers at the club so Stevie needs to get out and play football and Chris Sedgwick is out of contract in the summer so it's a simple situation with those two."

Following the capture of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck on loan, the new North End manager has admitted that he is keen to further strengthen his squad.

He said: "We're still trying. I've enquired about a loan player in the last couple of days but it looks like he's going to join a Premier League team.

"I do think there are areas where we can strengthen and the sooner we do it the better. I don't want to finish 12th or 14th, I want to have a good go at it and I don't think there is anything wrong with that."

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