Preston are in the race to sign Aston Villa’s exciting young striker Cameron Archer on loan as Ryan Lowe seeks to add to his attack.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Preston could be Archer’s destination during this transfer window.
It’s stated that North End are fighting Derby County for Archer. League One clubs Sunderland, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Lincoln City are keen too.
The problem is that Villa currently don’t want to loan Archer out and are planning to keep him at Villa Park.
Villa just loaned striker Keinan Davis to Nottingham Forest and Steven Gerrard wants to use Archer behind Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.
One Player Who Should REJECT Your Club
One thing you have to factor in here is Ryan Lowe’s friendship with Villa boss Gerrard.
The pair go way back in the Liverpool football scene, and the pair remain close.
Lowe asked Gerrard about taking the Preston job last month, and it goes even further.
Lowe has twice taken on Gerrard in pre-season friendlies, whilst Gerrard allowed Lowe to sign Jordan Rossiter, Jamie Barjonas and Zak Rudden from Rangers.
Gerrard even gave a glowing recommendation for ex-Rangers striker Ryan Hardie when Lowe wanted to sign him.
So if Villa do decide to loan out Archer, Preston may well be at the front of the queue.
Archer, 20, has been coming through the Villa ranks and is shining this season.
In just four EFL Trophy games, Archer has racked up six goals and two assists. Given two games in the EFL Cup, Archer has bagged four goals.
Add in two goals and two assists in three Premier League 2 games and Archer just can’t stop scoring this season.
Preston need to find a partner for Emil Riis, and whilst Archer is young and raw, he could offer a goal threat – if Villa change their stance.