Archer, who is also being courted by Albion, scored seven goals for the Lilywhites during the second half of last season. But his suitors will have to be patient, with Steven Gerrard prepared to give the England under-21 international the chance to force his way into Villa’s first-team plans during pre-season.

Lowe, a close friend of Gerrard, admitted: “I’ve spoken to Steven and what could happen is he’s (at Villa) for pre-season and doesn’t go (out on loan) anymore.”

The Preston boss is ‘quietly confident’ of securing Archer’s return should he be allowed out, adding: “He wants to represent Villa and to get more games under his belt in a league like the Championship may be the way forward.”