Midfielder Paul Coutts has completed a transfer to Derby County for an undisclosed fee.
However, his desire to play at a higher level led to the interest of Championship clubs, with the Rams agreeing a few with PNE on Thursday before completing the formalities of the move late on Friday evening.
The former Scottish U21 international was brought to Deepdale by Darren Ferguson on the final day of the January transfer window in 2010 and went on to make 86 appearances, scoring five goals, including a 2011/12 goal of the season contender against Colchester United.
The 23-year-old, who wanted a return to the Championship, has signed a three-year contract at Pride Park following discussions and a medical at the midlands club on Friday evening.
The former Scottish U21 international was brought to Deepdale by Darren Ferguson on the final day of the January transfer window in 2010 and went on to make 86 appearances, scoring five goals, including a 2011/12 goal of the season contender against Colchester United.
The 23-year-old, who wanted a return to the Championship, has signed a three-year contract at Pride Park following discussions and a medical at the midlands club on Friday evening.