Leeds have now doubled their offer to £200,000 (€288,000) for a player who cost Preston £1.5m (€2.1m) four years ago, but who will be out of contract next summer.

It is unclear whether Healy will play tomorrow given the transfer furore which currently surrounds him, with the indication being he will be ‘rested’.

Leeds are certainly closing in on their primary target as manager Kevin Blackwell looks to resolve a striking problem which has resulted in a dearth of goals from the forwards on the club’s books.

“We’ve made a second bid and it’s up to Preston now because he is their player and they have their valuation on him,” said Blackwell.

“When you think Michael Brown went to Tottenham from Sheffield United last season for £500,000 (€722,386) when he was coming to the end of his contract, and he was valued at much more than that before then.

“So in talking about a player coming to the end of his contract, we think we are offering a fair price.

“I know they described the first offer as derisory, but you have to have a starting point before you find common ground.”

Healy did not help Blackwell’s cause by scoring a stunning strike against Austria in Northern Ireland’s 3-3 draw at Windsor Park on Wednesday, a game the Leeds boss attended.

“It’s no secret I am an admirer of David, and then he goes and scores that unbelievable goal against a very good Austrian team,” added Blackwell.

“But that only shows the quality of the player, and I have said from the beginning of the season I would only sign players that would enhance Leeds’ reputation.”

Leeds have finally managed to loan out Duberry, with the centre-back joining Stoke for three months, although United will still contribute £17,000 (€24,559) of his £23,000-per-week (€33,229) wages.

The 29-year-old former Chelsea man goes straight into the Potters squad for their game against Reading at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has moved to strengthen his defence with both Gerry Taggart and skipper Clive Clarke suspended for the visit of Steve Coppell’s side.

Potters director of football John Rudge is pleased with the acquisition of Duberry, who came close to a move to Championship rivals Wolves in the summer and has not featured for Leeds since the end of August.

He said: “We’re delighted to get him. He’s an experienced defender who has played at the highest level with Leeds and Chelsea and he will add quality and competition to our squad.

“There is no doubt his arrival gives us a boost.”