We’ve already covered Ryan Lowe’s relationship with Jurgen Klopp, and the new Preston boss is even closer with Aston Villa’s Steven Gerrard.
North End swooped to appoint Lowe on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after sacking Frankie McAvoy.
Lowe decided to leave his role as Plymouth Argyle boss for a move to Preston, causing plenty of anger down at Home Park.
Klopp is a fan of Lowe’s style of play, and the new Preston boss also has ties to Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard.
Lowe has admitted being close friends with Gerrard. The pair became friends when coming through the Liverpool youth team together.
Lowe has called on Gerrard for help in the past. Gerrard allowed Jordan Rossiter and Jamie Barjonas to join Bury on loan from Rangers in the 2018-19 season.
Gerrard’s Rangers even faced Lowe’s Bury in a pre-season friendly before the start of the campaign.
Gerrard then allowed Lowe to sign Rangers striker Zak Rudden at Plymouth. When Lowe was keen on former Rangers striker Ryan Hardie, Gerrard gave a glowing recommendation.
So could see Gerrard helping out Preston in the January transfer window?
Villa do have a couple of players who could go out on loan. Striker Cameron Archer has been excelling for Villa’s development side this season, bagging 12 goals in just eight appearances.
Archer, 20, also has three Premier League appearances to his name and a Championship loan move could aid his development.
The more obvious name is that of Keinan Davis, who seems to be linked with Preston on a regular basis.
Davis may find it difficult to feature at Villa, but partnering Emil Riis up top until the end of the season could make some sense.
Lowe’s relationship with Gerrard is something to keep an eye on, with Preston possibly preferred as a loan destination for Villa talents come January.