Preston hope Cameron Archer will return but the pursuit has become even harder with Rangers now keen to lure him to Ibrox this summer.
North End swooped to sign Archer on loan from Aston Villa in January as Ryan Lowe utilised his friendship with Villa boss Steven Gerrard.
They say to never fall in love with loan players and Archer certainly make that very difficult.
The 20-year-old striker hit seven goals in 20 appearances for Preston, including the all-important winner against Blackpool in April.
Archer now heads back to Aston Villa this summer and his future looks somewhat unclear.
Top Scoring XI This Season (2021-22)
Preston hope Cameron Archer will return, now Rangers want him
North End are keen to bring Archer back on loan for a full season with Lowe believing that he needs more time in the Championship.
MORE PRESTON STORIES
Peter Ridsdale has admitted that Preston plan to match any Championship offer for Archer and are saving a spot in the squad for him.
Preston will absolutely know that other clubs will want Archer and some of the interested teams have been named today.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claim that Scottish giants Rangers have joined the race for Archer.
Rangers are in the market for a new striker this summer and seemingly want a favour from their former boss Gerrard.
Rangers just reached the Europa League final so as much as fans may say that a move to Scotland isn’t ideal, the Gers can offer European action.
Crook adds that both Middlesbrough and Watford are interested in Archer too, with both teams looking to launch promotion bids.
Preston will hope that Archer prefers a move to North End but it will be very difficult to compete against clubs of this stature.
Villa likely won’t make a decision on Archer until after pre-season, but the mounting interest leaves Preston’s hopes on a knife edge.