FORMER Wanderers skipper Kevin Davies is in talks with Preston North End over extending his stay in a player/coach role.

As reported in The Bolton News this week, the 38-year-old forward is keen to extend his playing career by a further year after helping North End to promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

And Lilywhites boss Simon Grayson confirmed discussions with the man who spent a decade with Wanderers before moving to Deepdale are taking place.

Grayson told the Preston website: "We are in discussions with Kevin Davies about a role at the football club in terms of playing and possibly a coaching capacity."

Meanwhile, Grayson also wants to sign Jermaine Beckford permanently after his successful loan spell from Wanderers.

The 31-year-old striker's contract at the Macron Stadium runs out at the end of June and is not being renewed.

But Preston could face competition from Grayson's former club Leeds United who are also reportedly interested in re-signing Beckford.

Grayson added: "I have made it quite public that I would like to retain Jermaine Beckford so negotiations will be taking place with the relevant parties."

Meanwhile, a former team-mate of Davies – goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen – has been released by West Ham United and will become a free agent when his contract expires next month.