RICHARD Chaplow could still play against Exeter this weekend, even though his loan spell at Saints expires tomorrow.

There is a strong possibility the Preston midfielder will tie-up a permanent deal at St Mary’s when the January transfer window opens.

North End chairman Maurice Lindsay has already hinted that a fee has been agreed between the clubs, with a figure of £50,000 mentioned.

And sources also told the Daily Echo last night that the Championship outfit are keen to get Chaplow, one of their bigger earners, off the wage bill for good.

Chaplow was frozen out by former boss Darren Ferguson at Deepdale and forced to train with the youth team.

And the player has made no secret of his desire to earn a transfer to Saints when the window opens.

The biggest question perhaps is whether the club can get him into their squad for the visit of the Grecians on New Year’s Day.

Chaplow’s emergency loan deal expires tomorrow, as it hits the maximum 93 days allowed.

However, the Football League confirmed to the Echo that he could be eligible to play for them this weekend, if a transfer was completed quickly enough.

That is because the move would theoretically be an extension of his current registration at St Mary’s.

“It would be allowed, as long as the registration is continuous and all the paperwork is in order,” said a spokesman.

For full story and more Saints news, don't miss today's Daily Echo.