Bradford City grants Preston permission to speak with manager Graham Alexander

Bradford City have given Championship club Preston North End permission to speak with their manager, Graham Alexander, about Preston's vacant managerial position, according to BBC Sport. Bradford described the decision as reluctant, reflecting the club's wish to retain Alexander.

Preston, who are reported to be struggling in the Championship this season, are seeking a new manager and have identified Alexander as a candidate for the role. Approaching a manager currently under contract at another club requires that club's permission before formal talks can take place, a standard procedure in English football when a club wishes to speak to a manager who is not out of contract.

A blow for Bradford

Alexander has been managing Bradford City, and the club's willingness to grant permission, despite reluctance, suggests they are respecting protocol rather than standing in the way of his potential departure. Losing a manager mid-season can be disruptive for a club, particularly if a replacement needs to be identified and installed quickly to maintain results and squad stability.

For Preston, if talks proceed and Alexander is appointed, it would mark a managerial change aimed at addressing the club's current struggles in the Championship table. The move underscores the pressures facing clubs in the division, where managerial changes are often made in response to underwhelming league form.

Further details on the timeline for talks between Preston and Alexander, or on Bradford's own plans should he depart, have not been disclosed.