3 strikers Preston North End should target if they miss out on 2021/22 loanee

Preston will be desperate for a reunion with Cameron Archer this summer after his incredible half a season with the side during the last Championship campaign.

Despite only joining the club in the winter window, he became a firm fan favourite during his time at Deepdale. He managed seven goals in just 18 league starts and one of those came as the winner against rivals Blackpool too – so he has really cemented himself in the side’s history already.

Now, the youngster has returned to his parent club Aston Villa and his future with the side is unclear. There is every chance he could stay with the Premier League side this offseason and then play a part next season. There’s also a chance that another second tier or even top flight outfit could land him on loan next. PNE are still in the running (as confirmed by Peter Ridsdale) but a second move is not guaranteed.

The club then might need to prepare for a scenario where they don’t get Archer back – and if they can’t, then here are three striker alternatives that they could target instead.

1. Anthony Scully – Lincoln

The permanent option is up first and Anthony Scully could be one that Preston should consider. As we’ve reported previously, there has been prior interest in the player from the club so that could be renewed under Ryan Lowe this summer.

He certainly ticks plenty of boxes for the club – he’s young, has shown a capability to be a strong finisher in front of goal and could be available for a modest fee too. The 23-year-old has been excellent in League One and has shown that he isn’t just a one-season wonder either – he’s hit 11 goals in the league in each of the last two campaigns.

He’s also bagged a total of four assists and six assists too, showing he is well