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

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

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.

However, newspaper reports on Monday are suggesting Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is in the frame for the post.

The club are set to clarify Dowie's future today after losing in the play-off semi-final to Watford.