Josh Ginnelly departs Walsall for Preston North End

The winger, who had a loan spell with the Saddlers in 2016, returned to the Banks’s Stadium on a free transfer this summer.

Ginnelly has enjoyed an impressive campaign under manager Dean Keates with the winger having scored four goals in 25 appearances.

But news broke of Preston’s interest in youngster ahead of Walsall’s draw at Peterborough earlier this month.

And he hasn’t featured in a match day squad since with the former Shrewsbury trainee having now agreed a two-and-a-half year deal at Deepdale.

Walsall, who take on Charlton in League One today, are expected to announce their first signing of the January transfer window shortly.