Here we go again – the January window is approaching and PNE fans are dreaming of Cameron Archer’s return from Aston Villa.
We’re now approaching a month without a PNE game due to the World Cup break.
That was always going to lead to chatter about the January window; who will PNE sign, who will be let go, do North End need to sell to bring players in?
PNE may well be limited to loans and that has predictably resulted in fans begging for Archer to come back.
Archer spent the second half of last season on loan at PNE, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances.
The 20-year-old made himself a North End hero for life by scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Blackpool back in April.
North End understandably chased a new loan deal for Archer throughout the summer but Villa just wouldn’t let him go.
Yet after playing just 43 minutes of Premier League action this season, Archer may well go out on loan again in January.
PNE fans suddenly have major hope once again because of comments made by Archer’s brother Jordan.
The Southport striker – who actually played for Ryan Lowe at Bury – told the Lancashire Post that North End would be Archer’s ‘number one destination’ in January if he had full control.
Archer would allegedly ‘love’ to return to North End but it will ultimately come down to what Villa want.
Sadly, Villa may want a deal that ends up being beyond PNE.
Archer signed a new contract over the summer with a bumper pay rise.
North End would therefore be expected to pay a hefty proportion, a value that may be tough for PNE to pay but easy for other Championship clubs.
Everyone at North End – in the boardroom, in the dugout, in the dressing room, in the stands – would probably love to bring Archer back in January.
Archer himself is interested but they say it’s the hope that kill you and Archer just seems more likely to join another Championship club in the new year.