Preston manager Ryan Lowe is “quietly confident” of beating QPR to the loan signing of Aston Villa youngster Cameron Archer.
The highly-rated England Under-21 striker impressed last season while on loan at North End, who are very keen to take him back to Deepdale for another spell there.
Rangers, though, have been linked with Archer following the recent appointment of Michael Beale head coach.
However, Lowe told Sky Sports News: “I think with Cameron, it’s down to him what he wants to do. We are in the market for a couple of strikers also.
“He wants to represent Aston Villa and for him to get more games under his belt in a competitive league like the Championship, that (another loan move) may be the way forward. I’m quietly confident.”
Beale left his job as assistant to Villa boss Steven Gerrard in order to become the number one at QPR.
Reports have since suggested that Gerrard could loan Beale some of Villa’s young players, including Archer.
Archer is expected to feature for Villa during their pre-season campaign before a decision on his immediate future is made.
“I’ve spoken to Steven Gerrard and what could happen is he’s there for pre-season,” Lowe explained.