Preston North End enquiry for Cameron Archer knocked back by Premier League side Aston Villa

Archer has been linked with a move away from Villa Park in the last few days, used as part of a part exchange with Watford for a move for their winger Ismaila Sarr, despite Villa manager Steven Gerrard previously stating he would be staying at the club this summer.

North End were keen to secure a return for the forward, who spent the second half of last season at Deepdale, but have seen their enquiry turned down.

Archer became a firm favourite at Deepdale during his short time at the club and cemented his place in PNE folklore by scoring the winning goal against Blackpool in April.

PNE manager Ryan Lowe has made no secret of his admiration for the England U21 international nor his want to bring him back to the club should the opportunity arise.

“What I will say, and it's all I'll say on it, if Cameron Archer becomes available, I'd like to think I'd know,” Lowe said.

"If I get a phone call saying he's available then great, if I don't, I'm not too concerned. I'm not running around, I haven't been waiting on players.

"Everyone knows how I feel about Cam. Until my phone goes, from their manager to say that he's available, I'm taking it as he is not available.

"He's probably going to play in the Carabao Cup for them, he's been on the bench for them every game and made an appearance.”

Archer recently signed a new five-year-deal at Aston Villa after impressing and scoring in their pre-season.

The deal will have come with a pay rise for the Villa starlet, that a loan side would have to cover, but that is not currently of concern to the Lilywhites boss.

He said: “I don't know, that's not me to answer. I've said what I've said on it, until I get a phone call off Stevie saying he's available I'm going to take it as if he's not available.

"He's an Aston Villa player and that's where I'll stand on it.

"People will speculate and say what they want to say but ultimately if the phone rings we'll have something to talk about, if it doesn't - which I don't expect it to then - I won't. I can't really comment on it.”