Rivals on alert as Preston accept Fuller's request

Speculation has raged for weeks over the player's future and fuel was added to the fire recently when he left his accommodation in Preston.

The Jamaica international turned down a lucrative contract extension earlier this year and will be able to leave Deepdale on a free next summer.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw told the official club website: "We have to be realistic. There is no point holding on to a player who is not 110% behind the club and his team-mates. My job as chairman is to secure the best deal for the club."

Shaw claims Fuller has been unsettled since Preston rejected a bid from Wolves earlier this year, while the Baggies are actively seeking to sign a new striker ahead of their forthcoming Premiership campaign.

Lilywhites boss Craig Brown admits it is a blow to his plans for the Championship campaign and said: "I am naturally very disappointed.

"Apparently Ricardo is very impatient to get into the bigger money. It is a blow to lose one of the better players, but we will press on as a matter of urgency to find a suitable replacement."