Everton manager David Moyes stares into the distance.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Wed 20 August 2025 7:10, UK
Everton still have plenty of work to do in the last few weeks of the transfer window as they aim to get their squad into shape.
The Toffees have already welcomed seven new faces into their ranks so far this summer, but it has become clear that further work is still needed if their squad is to be as competitive as is hoped.
Everton lost to Leeds in the opening game of their Premier League campaign, and it was a performance that shows they are crying out for additional signings.
David Moyes’ influence is felt throughout the whole club, and he could be about to have a huge say in one of their next pieces of transfer business.
David Moyes being interviewed
Moyes’ influence could be key in one of Everton’s next pieces of business. (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Harrison Armstrong tipped to join Preston on loan from Everton
Harrison Armstrong is one of Everton’s brightest young talents, and he seems set for another loan spell in the Championship this term.
The midfielder impressed during a brief stint at Derby County in 2024/25, and the Rams have now been joined in the race to sign him for this season by Preston North End.
Moyes previously spent five years with the Lancashire outfit at the end of his career, before taking on the managerial role for a further four years.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that the Scot’s influence may see Armstrong pointed in the direction of Deepdale for his next loan move.
“I can’t see Armstrong being an integral part of the Everton side,” King said.
“I can’t see Moyes making a problem for him going to Preston. He has a very good relationship with them even though he left there over 20 years ago.
“Preston could be the best move for Armstrong, and I would think it could be arranged for them to pay his wages.
“There’s always a chance to come back as well. It could be a good learning curve for him.”
Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong wearing a warmup jacket.
Moyes’ influence could see Armstrong head to Preston on loan. (Credit: Imago)
Derby move makes more sense for Armstrong
Armstrong was excellent for Everton in pre-season, and while he is unlikely to become a first-team regular this season, he has shown once again that his time is not far away.
Armstrong missed just four minutes of Derby’s last 11 league games in 2024/25
He became a crucial figure in their fight against the drop in the Championship
Derby have shown an interest in taking him back on loan for 2025/26
With that in mind, it surely makes sense for the Toffees to try and find the most risk-free loan club that they can for him this season, to hand him the best chance of continuing to impress.
Given the success that he enjoyed at Derby last season, it surely makes more sense for Armstrong to head back to Pride Park, where he is already familiar with the environment and the manager’s system.
A move to Preston could prove to be equally as valuable, but there is certainly more risk involved, and that would be unnecessary at this stage of his career.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts