Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is likely to want Preston loanee Cameron Archer around his first-team setup for next season.
That’s according to a report from the Birmingham Mail, who claim that Preston’s hopes of another loan deal will be dashed.
Gerrard has seemingly been so impressed with Archer’s progress on loan at North End that he wants to give him a Premier League chance.
With Keinan Davis potentially being sold to Nottingham Forest, Archer would offer support to Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings up top.
Earlier this month, the Birmingham Mail suggested that Archer will be ‘heavily involved’ in pre-season training but could still be loaned out again in August.
That gave Preston real hope of a return for Archer, but it already seems that Villa’s plans are changing.
Archer scored yet again for Preston on Saturday, firing a low finish into the net as North End beat promotion-chasing Bournemouth 2-1.
The 20-year-old has now bagged five goals in just 10 games for Preston, starting eight times in that run.
After a dream start with a debut goal against West Bromwich Albion, Archer has continued in fine form and just can’t stop scoring.
That form is understandably turning heads at Villa Park, who may now feel that Archer is ready for Premier League action.
The only lingering hope for Preston is that, should Villa eventually decide on another loan deal, North End are the preferred destination.
Ryan Lowe’s friendship with Steven Gerrard would be key there, whilst Archer has already excelled in this Preston side.
It looks unlikely that Archer will be back at North End next season, with Gerrard seemingly ready to give him a top-flight opportunity.