Preston have allegedly been chasing Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie, but he endured a nightmare moment against Chelsea on Saturday.
Football League World reported late in December that North End boss Ryan Lowe was eyeing up a move for Hardie.
Lowe signed Hardie for Plymouth in January 2020, which ended up being a year-long loan deal before turning the move permanent last January.
Hardie’s total record for Plymouth now stands at 24 goals in 93 games, with 12 of those coming this season.
Formerly of Rangers, Hardie was given a recommendation from Steven Gerrard as Lowe used his links to get a deal done.
Having made little impact at Blackpool, Hardie is thriving at Plymouth and reuniting with Lowe could be appealing if Argyle miss out on promotion.
Argyle produced a huge display on Saturday, taking the lead against Premier League giants Chelsea at Stamford Bridge through Macauley Gillesphey.
Cesar Azpilicueta levelled but Plymouth dragged the Blues all the way to extra time, with Marcos Alonso bagging the winner.
Plymouth did get one last chance though, with Hardie winning a penalty under a challenge from Malang Sarr.
Hardie stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga, leaving Argyle gutted as they were narrowly beaten.
The Scot was unlucky as he did hit the target, but Kepa read his penalty all the way and made the key save.
Hardie will now hope to bounce back and fire Argyle into the League One playoffs; if not, Lowe may just offer that Preston reunion this summer.