It appears neither side have totally given up on a deal, even though the striker's bosses in the United States have steadfastly refused to accept an offer of £1.75m.

Twellman, who is set to make his first appearance of the season for New England Revolution in California tomorrow after knee surgery, has certainly not thrown in the towel as he battles for the right to test himself in the English game.

According to reports this week in Boston, the player is still holding out hope that a fresh bid comes before August.

And North End boss Alan Irvine still seems keen, although he insists no new offer will be going in – any approach would now have to come from Major League Soccer and the Revolution.

So prepare for the issue to drag on through the summer.

Twellman, 28, faces Chivas USA in Los Angeles tomorrow hoping to finally get his season up and running after missing the first seven matches of the MLS season.

Without him, New England have won only three games and have netted only twice in their last four outings.

Twellman is the club's all-time top scorer and, while it is clear they are missing his firepower, he is only likely to be on the bench for his first run-out.

Coach Steve Nicol, the former Liverpool defender, confirmed: "He's not injured but, at the same time, we want to be sensible about it. He has only been training properly for four days."
Twellman can't wait to get started. He is desperate to get back into the USA national side and he believes a transfer across the Atlantic could be revived.

"Another offer could come in July – and that is still a goal of mine," he confessed.

"I am going to help the Revolution until then. But I have always wanted to go over (to England) and give it a shot."

Deepdale boss Irvine insists he will not be ringing America, although a call in the opposite direction might get his attention.

"I don't know whether it has been shot out of the water or not," he said.

"I know Taylor has been injured. But it was so complicated the last time that I'm not sure who we would ask.

"We spoke to the MLS and they said it was the club's decision not to sell.

"We spoke to the club and they said it was the MLS. I don't really know who stopped it from happening. But I wouldn't want to get involved in all that carry on again.

"If it was offered to us – and they know of our interest – then we would certainly have to look at it again.

"But at the moment I don't know what is happening."

>> Irvine plans busy pre-season programme

>> New three-year deal for Davidson