Preston North End have agreed the terms to take Paul Gallagher on loan for the rest of the season when his current deal runs out next week.
The current PNE No.12 signed on emergency loan in October, which currently runs out at the beginning of January, but terms have been agreed between the clubs for him to immediately sign a half season loan as soon as the current spell comes to an end.
The forward, who will return to the squad for the Boxing Day trip to Carlisle United following suspension, is in his second spell at Deepdale and scored a hat-trick in only his second game back, the 6-0 win over Barnet in the FA Cup first round in November.
Manager Simon Grayson said: “We are delighted to have extended Paul’s stay with us. Both he and the Club were clear from the outset of his loan that we hoped the deal would be for longer than two months and I am grateful to Leicester for agreeing to let him stay with us.
“Gally’s qualities have already been evident in the games he has played and he can play a big part between now and the end of the season.”
Gallagher will be available for all games between now and the end of the season, including the Cup and any additional end of season fixtures, if required.