Preston North End are running the rule over Callum Robinson deal but there is a major stumbling block with West Bromwich Albion

It has been reported this week that PNE are interested in signing their former no.7 after the Republic of Ireland international was made available, amongst a handful of other players, by the Baggies.

The Lilywhites are in the market for a couple of stirkers and Robinson has played there before both for PNE and West Brom.

The sticking point at the moment is the type of deal, North End are interested in a loan whereas his current club are keen to see him leave for a decent fee.

The 27-year-old had been a bit out of form and favour towards the end of the season under Steve Bruce having joined from Sheffield United after a bright loan at the Hawthorns.

It is said that you should never go back but this is one instance that could work in PNE’s favour.

Robinson does love the club, he made no secret of that in his time in PR1 and left only for the chance to play in the Premier League, he had 12 months left on his contract and was not for talking about a new one so was bought by the Blades.

He had developed from a frail winger into a dynamic forward in his time at PNE and can play a few different positions across the front line and could even potentially be used at wing back if needs must – his time under Alex Neil showed he was prepared to track back and stay with his men.

It is not that North End are looking just at Robinson and that it is him or bust, rather that any forward of that sort of ilk is being considered and will be spoken to in order to see what the deal would look like.

He would be proven quality at Championship level and at PNE no less, he has gone away and not had the best of time, that could only make him more motivated should he return to where it all went so right for him.

There is a waiting game but it’s a move that would excite the fans – and the number seven is available now.