Midfielder Michael Keane is a transfer target for Grimsby, according to Preston boss Craig Brown.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international scored two goals during seven league games on loan at Blundell Park towards the end of 2002-3, but proved powerless to prevent the Mariners' relegation from the First Division.

Now Brown has confirmed Grimsby player-manager Paul Groves' interest in the 20-year-old.

Brown said: "Grimsby have expressed an interest in Michael so we are talking about that at the moment.

"Obviously Keano is a player with a big future but we have good provision in midfield at the moment so it may well be we will extend the loan or even transfer him with, of course, an add-on clause if he became Roy Keane instead of Michael Keane.

"If he wants to go and we can arrange the right financial package, he can go to Grimsby," Brown told Preston's official website, www.pnefc.net.

"But I will be happy if he stays here and it really is between our chairman and the Grimsby people whether he leaves or stays."