Preston North End have joined the race to sign Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong on loan, according to Alan Nixon.
Preston North End continued their solid start to the 2025/26 campaign on Saturday as they defeated Leicester City at Deepdale. PNE have been touted as relegation favourites by many, but they’ve not lost in their three games across all competitions to date.
Paul Heckingbottom oversaw a 2-1 win over Marti Cifuentes’ Foxes, with Milutin Osmajic’s goal securing all three points after Jeremy Monga equalised to become the second tier’s youngest ever goalscorer.
PNE - Preston man Milutin Osmajic and Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
The Lilywhites know they can’t rest on their laurels though, with more new signings targeted before the end of the transfer window on September 1st.
Now, writing on his Patreon, reporter Alan Nixon has revealed that one man Preston North End are hoping to get through the door is Everton teenager Harrison Armstrong.
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Managed by former PNE boss David Moyes, Armstrong is among the Toffees’ best young prospects and after his impressive half-season stint with Derby County in the 2024/25 campaign, he could make a new loan move for the full season.
Preston are hopeful of a favour from old manager Moyes in the Armstrong chase, but Derby County want him back, while Blackburn Rovers and Hull City have also been linked this summer.
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Harrison Armstrong’s eye-catching senior breakthrough
Having enjoyed a starring youth career with Everton, Armstrong started to emerge in the senior picture last season. He has made three Premier League appearances alongside a handful of outings in cup competitions, exposing him to first-team football following fine displays for the U18s and U21s.
PUFC - Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong tussles with Peterborough United's Archie Collins
Image courtesy of: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS.
A loan move felt like the logical next step for the Preston North End target and upon linking up with Derby County, the 18-year-old’s impressive performances saw him lock down a place in John Eustace’s side as they fought against relegation.
Armstrong could benefit from a fresh loan move as he cements himself as a great prospect at senior level, but there remains a chance that Everton keep him for their own squad this season.
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Harrison Armstrong’s stats via team – via Transfermarkt
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Heckingbottom’s current Preston North End midfield options
Looking at the Preston North End squad, it feels as though one more midfielder is needed before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
Jordan Thompson joined from Stoke City earlier this summer but is currently injured, while Alfie Devine is in on loan from Spurs and made a good first impression with a finely taken debut goal against Leicester City.
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PNE also have Mads Frokjaer-Jensen in attacking midfield, while Ben Whiteman, Ali McCann, Stefan Teitur Thordarson and youngster Noah Mawene are deeper options. Armstrong fits more among the latter as a central midfielder, and his signing would give the squad some real depth.
The competition he would face could limit starts though, potentially seeing both Armstrong and Everton favour a move elsewhere.
Preston North End keen on £9m Aston Villa forward