Preston North End make big Cameron Archer transfer claim, What Gerrard has said about a potential move

Preston North End’s Peter Risdale says they are willing to to ‘match any other deal’ that comes in for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in order to bring him back to Deepdale next season.

Archer spent the back end of the 21/22 campaign with the Championship side and became an instant hit with the Lilywhites faithful, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 20 appearances.

It’s no surprise that his successful loan spell has got Ryan Lowe and the rest of the hierarchy in Lancashire wanting his services again next season - and Risdale, who advisors the owners at Preston, claims they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring the young forward back to the club.

“We have asked the question of Aston Villa,” Risdale told the From the Finney podcast.

“We have made it absolutely clear that, were he to be available for loan, we will match any other deal in the Championship to get him back and they have just said ‘we will come back for pre-season and take a view subject to what recruitment they do’, so we don’t know.

“We’re planning the squad without him, but leaving a slot in the squad for him and let’s see what happens.”

What has Steven Gerrard said?

Speaking back in April, Gerrard claimed that Preston were already putting the feelers out asking for Archer back but that he and Villa were standing firm with their big money valuation of the striker.

“I told him [Ryan Lowe] to tell Peter Ridsdale to get his naughts out if he’s wanting him on a full-time basis!

“I also said that he won’t be available for a loan because the idea of the loan is to give him some experience to get him back in the group and to have a positive pre-season.

“I want more forward options in the number nine position, if you like, so we’ll analyse Cam in pre-season and we’ll make the decision from there. He’s a big, bright prospect here.

“Ryan’s done a good job with him. Preston have given him a really good opportunity to be fair but everyone wants Cam Archer and everyone wants Keinan Davis!

“Good players cost an awful lot of money and you know that, don’t ya!”

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