Irvine hasa taken Preston into the top six on almost the same squad that were languishing bottom of the table when he took the reigns some 18 months ago.
Reading are thought to have identified Irvine as someone who can give Reading a chance at promotion next season on limited funds as the club has one more season before the parachute payments cease.
Reading look like they want to speak to Irvine which will then leave Chairman Shaw with the decision on whether to grant permission. It is true that the majority of recent manager's have had a clause int heir contract refusing them to speak to any other Championship club without permission but that did not stop Billy Davies leaving after compensation was agreed.
Irvine has only been at the club for 18 months and appears to want to continue the rebuilidng with Preston andmay not even get the chance to speak to Reading if the Preston board politely decline any request from Reading.