Preston boss Ryan Lowe may look to raid Plymouth Argyle at the end of the season – and Ryan Hardie showed his quality on Tuesday night with a fine hat-trick.
North End only brought in two new faces in January; the loan addition of Aston Villa talent Cameron Archer and free agent defender Bambo Diaby.
Archer is only on loan until the summer, and it looks unlikely that Villa let him stay for another season given his huge impact.
That may leave Preston looking for other striking additions, with Hardie believed to be a top target.
Football League World reported in December that Lowe wanted a reunion with Hardie at Preston.
Lowe signed Hardie from Blackpool in January 2020, spending a year on loan at Plymouth before turning the move permanent.
The 24-year-old was praised by Steven Gerrard when Lowe asked him about a deal, and appears to be back on Lowe’s radar.
Hardie endured a difficult afternoon on Saturday, seeing a late penalty saved as Plymouth were beaten 2-1 at Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Hardie bounced back in style on Tuesday night, smashing a hat-trick in a 4-1 thrashing of Crewe Alexandra.
Kamikaze Crewe defending gifted Hardie three goals, but he took them in style to take his tally for the season to 15 goals in 32 games.
Last night’s treble also ends Hardie’s nine-game goal drought, with the Scot right back amongst the goals.
Lowe may be watching on with intent, with Preston no doubt looking to find a new striker this summer.