Preston North End may have to face Cameron Archer this season with Leeds United now allegedly leading the race for his signature.
PNE fans are desperate to see Tom Cannon return on loan from Everton before the transfer window shuts next week.
That has been a real saga and North End supporters have fears that this will end the same way as Cameron Archer last year.
By that, we mean a striker shining on loan at North End but a return proving impossible before they head elsewhere in the Championship.
Fingers crossed on Cannon, but what about Archer himself?
The former North End loanee came off the bench for Villa in their win over Cannon’s Everton on Sunday afternoon.
Archer appears to be third-choice at Villa though, sitting behind Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran in the pecking order.
That has resulted in major speculation surrounding Archer’s future and a potential loan or even permanent move away from Villa Park.
Football League World now report that Leeds United are leading the race for Archer alongside their Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.
The Blades can offer a Premier League move but have allegedly already failed with a £10million offer for the striker.
Leeds would love to land another striker and Archer’s proven record in the Championship makes him a top target.
The Whites would likely be seeking a loan deal for Archer with the asking price surely ruling out a full-time move to Elland Road.
The question is whether Villa would want a third Championship loan spell for Archer after shining at North End and Middlesbrough.
If they do look to loan Archer out again, it seems that Leeds will be at the front of the queue with Sheffield United focusing on a permanent deal.
Signing for Leeds would mean Archer being primed for a return to Deepdale on Boxing Day when PNE host Daniel Farke’s side.
North End head to Elland Road just a few weeks later so there is now a real chance that Archer faces off against PNE twice in quick succession after becoming such a fan favourite in his time at Deepdale.