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Preston and Reading chase Premier League defender

Preston North End manager Simon Grayson (Reuters)
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HITC Sport understands Championship duo eye Everton defender.

Preston North End manager Simon Grayson.Preston North End manager Simon Grayson.

Reading and Preston are lining up a loan swoop for Everton defender Gethin Jones, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Versatile performer Jones is highly-regarded at Everton having come through the ranks at Goodison Park.

Originally a central midfielder, Jones has since been converted to a right-back and he is regarded as the perfect natural successor to Seamus Coleman.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Everton in December 2014 coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 Europa League home defeat to FC Krasnodar.

Jones then enjoyed a two-month loan spell at League Two Plymouth Argyle, making seven appearances for the Pilgrims as they reached the play-offs.

Jones was rewarded for his progress with a new deal by Everton last summer to keep him at the club until the summer of 2017.

Despite being born in Australia, Jones has represented and captained Wales at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 levels and he is the understudy to Chris Gunter in the Wales senior team.

Reading's manager Jaap StamReading’s manager Jaap Stam

Preston and Reading are both keen on bringing in Jones on loan as they look to bolster their squads before the close of the transfer window.

Jones is keen on a move out on loan and he is understood to favour a move to Preston with the promise of regular Championship football at Deepdale as he looks to impress new Everton boss Ronald Koeman.