CHARLTON are set to hold talks Billy Davies after being granted permission to talk to the Preston manager.

The Addicks have moved quickly for the 42-year-old after Peter Taylor, the odds-on favourite to replace Alan Curbishley, surprisingly pulled out of the running.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw told the club's official website: "We felt it was in the best interests of both parties to allow talks to take place."

Davies has guided Preston to the Championship play-offs in the last two years. They lost to West Ham United in the 2005 final, before falling one hurdle earlier this time around at the hands of Leeds United in the semi-final.

IN TALKS: Preston boss Billy Davies. Picture: Kevin McGuinness (Lancashire Evening Post)