Peter Ridsdale issues update on Preston North End’s pursuit of 20-year-old striker

The Aston Villa striker spent the second half of the campaign with the Lilywhites, becoming Ryan Lowe’s first new addition to the squad since his arrival as manager.

The 20-year-old scored seven league goals from 20 appearances, helping Preston finish 13th in the Championship table.

While Archer is returning to his parent club this summer, the club remains keen on completing another deal to bring the forward back to Deepdale next season.

Speaking on the From the Finney podcast, Ridsdale confirmed that Preston will be willing to match any other club’s offer for a loan move for Archer this summer.

The Company Director of Preston also revealed that Villa have not decided their plans for the youngster as of yet, with an outcome likely to be arrived at during Villa’s pre-season training.

“We have asked the question of Aston Villa,” said Ridsdale, via Deepdale Digest. 

“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.”

Lowe will be hoping to improve his squad over the summer as he prepares his team to fight for a play-off place next season.

The 43-year old turned around the club’s campaign to earn a 13th place position, finishing 11 points outside the top six.

Archer was a great signing for the club last January and so it is clear why everyone is so keen to bring him back for next season.

Preston could face stiff competition from top Championship clubs should the forward be available again.

However, that