Chaplow moves to Preston for £1.35m

Richard Chaplow has sealed a £1.35 million pound switch to Championship-rivals Preston North End. The 22-year-old joined the Baggies back in January 2005 for £1.5 million from Burnley and played a major part in the helping Albion reach the Play-off final last season.

After making 17 starts last term and 12 further substitute appearances Chaplow has found first-team opportunities limited this campaign with his only league start coming on the opening day of the season against Burnley. His final league appearance for the Baggies came as a substitute during the 2-1 victory at The Walkers Stadium on December 8^th 2007 replacing Robert Koren.

Albion will receive a guaranteed £800,000 in the deal with an additional £550,000 due in performance-related add-ons. A 20% sell-on clause has also been included in the transfer.

Chaplow made a total of 58 appearances for Albion, including 21 as a substitute, scoring three goals and joins former Albion midfielder Darren Carter, who joined the Lilywhites back in August for £1.25 million, at Deepdale.