Preston North End are edging closer to securing Graham Alexander as their next manager, according to BBC Radio Leeds. The 54-year-old Bradford City boss has been granted permission by the Bantams to hold talks with the struggling Championship outfit, who sit just one place above the relegation zone. The move comes after Preston parted ways with Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month, following a disappointing start to the season that saw the club win just once in their opening seven league fixtures.
Alexander brings considerable pedigree to Deepdale, having spent his playing career across two separate spells at the club where he made 372 league appearances. As a former Scotland international, he has already proven his managerial credentials this season by steering Bradford to the summit of League One with an impressive five victories from their opening seven matches. Since taking charge at Valley Parade in November 2023, Alexander orchestrated an immediate promotion from League Two and guided the Bantams to fourth place in the Championship's third tier during the 2025-26 campaign before their playoff elimination at the hands of Bolton Wanderers.
The accomplished tactician's résumé extends beyond his Bradford tenure, encompassing previous management positions at Fleetwood, Scunthorpe, Salford, Motherwell, and MK Dons. Bradford's statement on Thursday acknowledged their reluctant permission for talks, reflecting the value they place on Alexander's leadership. He remains under contract at Valley Parade through the end of next season, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations between the two clubs.
Preston will commence action following the international break by hosting Millwall on Saturday, 10 October, as they seek to arrest their alarming slide down the table. Meanwhile, Bradford prepare for their League One challenge at Reading on 3 October, with this weekend's fixture against Barnsley postponed due to international call-ups.