Ryan Lowe talks patience for Premier League loans and the return of Aston Villa's Cameron Archer

EFL squads are often topped up by the young stars from the top flight, North End benefitting from three loans last season.

Sepp van den Berg, Daniel Iversen and Cameron Archer arrived from Liverpool, Leicester City and Aston Villa respectively – and won most of the end of season awards.

PNE boss Ryan Lowe has spoken openly about wanting Premier League talent in his squad previously but admits that he may have to be patient in order to get them in, though given a chance he will jump at the opportunity to make a move early.

He told the Lancashire Post: “We are looking at them but we get told that Premier League loans won't be coming out until later on, the Premier League starts towards the middle of August. If one comes along that we can take now, we'll do it.

"But if we can fill the basis and have some solid players that are potentially already contracted, and we need to fill it out with loan players that can compete then we'll do that as well.

"We're looking at all options, free transfers, potentially there's some money to spend and loans.”

There is of course interest in getting Archer back to Deepdale this season, after seven goals in 20 games last season in his first spell at Championship level.

There is no panic from Lowe when it comes to the Villa youngster’s future, and he’s made his interest clear to Villans boss and close friend Steven Gerrrard.

He said: “I'm quite calm on Cam. He's a fantastic kid and he does not deserve any pressure on him.

"If Cam is available and chooses to come to Preston North End, I'll be over the moon and so will all of the fans. I'm definitely not ruling it out.

"I've spoken to Stevie and told him that we'd love to have him back and he knows that.

"Is there an agreement in place that we can have him? There is no agreement for anything. Is there a mutual respect or agreement to say that if you're available can we be considered? Of course. We'll just have to wait and see.”