Brown keen to keep Etuhu

PRESTON boss Craig Brown is determined to hang on to Dickson Etuhu amid reports of interest from Charlton and Everton.

The Premiership pair are mulling over a swoop for the midfield powerhouse prior to Saturday's transfer deadline.

Etuhu has proved to be an integral cog in the Preston machine since arriving at Deepdale from Manchester City in January.

Lilywhites chief Brown acknowledges he would find it difficult to resist a mammoth offer for the 19-year-old.

Brown is full of admiration for the teenager's talent and likens Etuhu to Liverpool ace Steven Gerrard.

"Dickson is a wonderful character. I wouldn't want him to leave but, like Rio Ferdinand, every player has his price," said Brown.

"He is very popular. I wouldn't want to say that Dickson is like Patrick Vieira. I wouldn't want to put that pressure on him.

"But Dickson is a rangy, good running player. Up and down the field, penalty box to penalty box, he's a Steven Gerrard-type.

"Age is no barrier if you've got the ability and he has got great ability.

"Once he gets his sharpness, we've got a good player, I've no doubt about that."