Former Preston defender Ben Davies could return to the Championship – and bitter rivals Blackburn Rovers are in the race to sign him.
North End sold Davies to Liverpool back on deadline day in February 2021.
Liverpool desperately needed a new centre back or two and pounced to secure a cheap deal for Davies.
Davies was inside the final six months of his Preston contract and looked set to join Celtic on a pre-contract agreement.
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Liverpool pounced though, paying a much-reduced fee whilst giving Preston a sell-on clause – believed to be in the region of 20% – and sending Sepp van den Berg to North End on loan.
Van den Berg became a fan favourite in 18 months at Preston but Davies still hasn’t even made his competitive Liverpool debut.
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Davies went out on loan to Sheffield United last season, playing an important role in the Blades finishing in the top six.
Now back with Liverpool, Davies seemingly has now future at Anfield and will be allowed to leave this summer.
Sky Sports claim that Davies has been left out of Liverpool’s pre-season training trip to Thailand in order to sort out a move away.
It’s even stated that Stoke City and Preston’s Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Davies.
Make no mistake, seeing Davies turn out for Blackburn would be galling for North End fans.
Davies came up through the Preston ranks and spent 14 years with the club before that dream move to Liverpool – one that few could begrudge.
The natural suggestion will be for Preston to get into the race and challenge Blackburn for his signature.
Davies would perfect on the left side of Ryan Lowe’s back three, but Andrew Hughes has nailed down that position and enjoyed a superb campaign last season.
Left-sided centre back just doesn’t seem to be a priority for Preston right now and the tight budget is likely better spent on other areas.
Hopefully Davies comes back one day though, and most North End fans will simply be praying that he doesn’t end up at Ewood Park this summer.