WANDERERS have dropped a bombshell by shipping out Jermaine Beckford to Preston North End.

The 30-year-old looks to have played his last game at the Macron Stadium after it was announced a short-term loan move would definitely be extended in January until the end of the season.

Beckford’s departure is certain to raise hopes of a deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen, who is currently training with the club, or potentially Norwich City striker Gary Hooper, who has been a loan target for Neil Lennon since his arrival.

Signed by Dougie Freedman in the summer of 2013, Beckford topped Wanderers’ scoring charts last season with nine goals.

But his stock fell dramatically this season as his first team opportunities dried up.

Two goals in the Capital One Cup against Crewe was all he had to show for 16 appearances, many of which were from the bench.

And though Lennon indicated he would be giving the former Leeds United striker every chance to prove himself again, he was dropped after the 2-1 defeat against Norwich City and featured for only five minutes over the course of the next two games.

Beckford links up at Deepdale with his former Elland Road boss Simon Grayson, who also took him on loan at Huddersfield Town.