Complications have ensued as although North End are entitled to talk to Hart as his contract ends in the Summer, they may not necessarily get to see Hart put on a White shirt until next season. For the full back to be released early, Preston will have to pay compensation to let Hart leave his contract early. An offer was put forward but rejected by Preston and Plymouth who were in the race also put an offer forward which was rejected.
Now that Hart has decided to join the Whites it is a case of whether Preston up the offer to release Hart from his contract or if they sit tight until the Summer to get the full back on a free.