Lee Holmes: Preston winger eyes permanent Exeter City move

Lee Holmes joined Preston on a free transfer from Southampton in the summer of 2012

Lee Holmes says he would like to join League Two Exeter City permanently this summer, if he is not offered a new deal to stay at Preston North End.

The 27-year-old winger, who is out of contract at Deepdale at the end of the season, has joined the Grecians on loan until the end of the current campaign.

"It's certainly something I'd consider," Holmes said when asked about the possibility of a permanent move.

"For my next contract, I want to be somewhere where I can flourish."

"If I can do that here then great, we'll see how things go and how things progress," he told BBC Sport.

Holmes made his Exeter debut as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Stevenage on Tuesday.

He has played just one game - in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - for Preston this season and has also had a spell on loan at Portsmouth.

The former Derby and Southampton winger said City boss Paul Tisdale was the main reason he chose to move to St James Park.

"It was basically the manager that convinced me to move down. I liked what he was saying, I liked his philosophy on football and how he wants to play the game.

"It was the right thing to do and there's every chance for me to be able to flourish," Holmes added.