Preston had tried to sign Hume on a permanent deal prior to the transfer window closing in August. The deal involved a swap with Jon Parkin but could not be pushed through in time so instead Preston agreed a 93 day loan in September which would have ended at the end of December.
As part of the loan deal, a clause was inserted into the contract allowing Barnsley to recall Hume after around a month should the need arise. The clause is not unusual as it allows parent clubs some control over their player.
Hume looked as if he was staying for the duration with a possible permanent deal in January. Preston went to speak to Barnsley last week in a bid to start the ball rolling in terms of agreeing a fee for a permanent move. It appears they were happy for a swap deal to take place although Ferguson did not reveal if that player was Parkin or another North End player.
Barnsley then appeared to do a u-turn on the deal citing that they were thin on the ground in the forward department. They therefore exercised their right to recall Hume and he is set to go back at some point this week.
Preston will have a new front pairing next Saturday with Hume departing and Parkin suspended for picking up five yellow cards.