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Simon Grayson pursuing summer deal for Everton’s Aiden McGeady, wants talks opened quickly

Aidan McGeady of Preston North End in action with Toumani Diagouraga of Ipswich Town (REUTERS)
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Preston boss Simon Grayson has reiterated his desire to sign Aiden McGeady permanently.

Preston manager Simon Grayson celebrates at full timePreston manager Simon Grayson

Preston North End boss Simon Grayson has told BBC Radio Lancashire that he wants talks opened with Everton quickly over a deal for Aiden McGeady.

The Lilywhites ended their season with a 1-0 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers, meaning they have lost five of their last six games and picked up just one point in that run.

Regardless, it’s another top half finish or Preston, who were only promoted back to the Championship two years ago, and fans have been far more entertained this term than in a workmanlike campaign last season.

The star of the show has been winger Aiden McGeady, who joined North End on a season-long loan deal from Everton on deadline day back in August.

Aidan McGeady of Preston North End in action with Toumani Diagouraga of Ipswich TownAidan McGeady of Preston North End in action with Toumani Diagouraga of Ipswich Town

The Irish wide man, 31, was cast aside at Everton and frozen out under Ronald Koeman, but has found a home with Preston, recording eight goals and nine assists in a superb Championship campaign.

McGeady has dazzled the Deepdale crowd with his trickery and stunning goals, but he will now return to Everton – where he is clearly not wanted – after his loan deal came to an end.

Preston North End's Aiden McGeady and Birmingham City's Maikel Kieftenbeld in actionPreston North End’s Aiden McGeady and Birmingham City’s Maikel Kieftenbeld in action

Now, manager Simon Grayson has told BBC Radio Lancashire that he wants to keep the former Celtic star at Deepdale, as the move has been a perfect fit for the Republic of Ireland international.

Grayson added that he wants talks with Everton to start quickly in order to beat other clubs to his signature, with Preston looking to seal the deal ‘as early as possible’ to get him on board for the start of pre-season.

“We’ve said all along that we want to try and keep him,” said Grayson. “He’s been very good for us. Sometimes a player comes to a football club and it just fits for him, and I think that’s what has worked over this season for him. I know we will be speaking to Everton very quickly to try and get something sorted as early as possible,” he added.

Would you like to see Preston sign McGeady permanently?