Sam Greenwood's wage demands could be a potential stumbling block in the Leeds United forward joining Preston North End on a full time basis.

That is the view of former Lilywhites manager Alex Neil as they prepare to welcome the Whites to Deepdale this weekend.

Greenwood has been one of North End's standout performers this term, chipping in with six goals contributions in 16 Championship appearances this term. The 22-year-old quickly won over boss Paul Heckingbottom, who has hinted he would like to sign the player permanently.

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Ex-Norwich City and Stoke City boss Neil told BBC’s Lancashire Sport: “I don’t know what the situation is with Preston in terms of [Kaine] Kesler-Hayden or Greenwood, but I would presume they should be two players who Preston could go and get. They have been about the block.

“Greenwood was at Middlesbrough and Kesler-Hayden was at Huddersfield and Plymouth. We are not talking about guys who are expected to go back to their respective clubs and break in, the way a Ben Doak is or an Anthony Gordon was – or someone like that. I would think that these two guys are much more realistic options, for Preston to keep them.

“The issue with Greenwood might be the salary in general. I don’t know where that sits. But, if you are at a club like Leeds, you would imagine that most Leeds players would be on a chunky salary.”

It is unclear at this stage whether the terms of Greenwood's loan agreement prohibit him from lining up against his parent club on Saturday. North End, who are hovering just above the relegation zone, are back on the road tonight as they travel to Cardiff City.