The transfer saga surrounding Harrison Armstrong looks as though it is finally coming to a close, with Preston North End huge admirers.
Derby County signed the midfielder on loan back in February, and he was open to a return to the Rams. However, after Lewis Travis’ arrival at Pride Park, there are question marks over whether he is still needed in the East Midlands.
The teenager impressed against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup last week, collecting the player of the match award at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as the Toffees knocked the Stags out of the competition.
David Moyes is a huge fan of the midfielder, and there have been fears at Preston that he may not have been sent out on loan this summer. But there is a twist in the tale that the Lilywhites will love.
Preston North End may have a second chance of signing Harrison Armstrong
Everton are closing in on Merlin Rohl, a central midfielder from Germany and his impending arrival could see Armstrong sent out on loan as game time will be harder to come by for the academy graduate, according to Alan Nixon.
Harrison Armstrong in action for Everton against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
The former Rams ace was an unused sub in the Toffees’ 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, and he will only find himself further down the pecking order in Merseyside.
Nixon has said: “Everton’s move for German midfielder Merlin Rohl is also good news for Preston hopes to land Harrison Armstrong on loan.
“The Toffees have been after Freiburg’s Rohl for a year – as first revealed here – as David Moyes looks for extra bodies in that department. That should free up talented teenager Armstrong to head out on loan for game time.
“Preston hope they have put their case strongest for Armstrong ahead of rivals like Derby and Blackburn Rovers.”
Harrison Armstrong can be a star for the Lilywhites
After showing his talents at Derby, the 18-year-old needs the opportunity of playing week-in-week-out to help get the best out of himself at this stage of his career.
Everton must be honest and realise that they will only be a hindrance to Armstrong in the coming months, and consistent game time will benefit them going forward.
Harrison Armstrong of Derby County reacts
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
The Toffees have made a really strong start to the campaign, as have Preston, and therefore they can afford to let their teenage starlet go until January.
The Lilywhites will benefit greatly from the control that Armstrong can bring in the middle of the park, and Derby may be disappointed to see their one-time loanee move to a Championship rival.