Preston boss Darren Ferguson called for his board to complete the permanent transfer of Iain Hume after the striker produced another fine display in the 1-1 draw with Reading.
Hume has impressed since joining on loan from Barnsley and made the opener when his dogged run set up Keith Treacy.
But North End - who won 6-4 at Leeds in midweek - were quiet in the second period and saw the Royals claim a deserved point when Jem Karacan powered in a 25-yard half volley, and the hosts then had Darel Russell sent-off late on for two bookings.
Ferguson said: "As a club we have to get Iain Hume done and dusted before other clubs start sniffing around.
"He is a great wee lad and we are lucky to have him. He is a pest, difficult to play against and has still got the bravery he has always had. He is good in the air and a very good player at this level."
Source: PA