Bradford City have "reluctantly" given Championship strugglers Preston North End permission to speak to boss Graham Alexander about their managerial vacancy.

Paul Heckingbottom was sacked after two years in charge of North End earlier this month following six defeats in their opening seven league games. Alexander, 54, had two spells at Deepdale as a player and made 372 league appearances for the club.

"Bradford City AFC can confirm we have been approached by Preston North End to speak to Graham Alexander regarding the Championship side's managerial vacancy," the Bantams said in a statement. "Reluctantly, Bradford City has granted permission for Graham to speak to Preston North End."

The Bantams are top of League One with five wins from their first seven games of the season. Alexander took over at Valley Parade in November 2023 and led them to promotion from League Two in his first full season in charge.