Lewis Dobbin to discuss Aston Villa future after successful Preston loan

Aston Villa midfielder Lewis Dobbin says he will discuss his future when he returns to Bodymoor Heath following his loan spell with Preston North End at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has scored 10 goals and set-up eight more in 40 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites this term.

Dobbin, who is yet to make a single appearance for Villa, scored what proved to be the decider in a 3-2 win at Sheffield United on Saturday.

And he has his sights set on playing at the highest level possible as he waits to see what happens regarding his future over the summer.

He revealed in an interview with Lancashire Post: “I want to take a step forward rather than sideways or a backwards step.

“I want to try and play at the highest level possible. I think I can do that.

“So that’s what I’ll aim to do and we’ll see what happens. I speak to them [Aston Villa] weekly.

“I’ll have to go in after the end of the season so we’ll see what they say and hopefully they’ll be really happy with me.”

Dobbin has had a number of loan spells in the Championship since joining Villa from Premier League rivals Everton in the summer of 2024.

He made just one start on loan at local neighbours West Brom during the first half of last season, before concluding the campaign with two goals in 11 matches for Norwich City.

His Championship return has been much more successful this season and Dobbin has spoken about his growing affiliation with Preston following his loan.

“I’ll just take it as the weeks come and see what happens in the summer,” Dobbin continued.

“One more game, give it my all and have a nice, deserved break. It’s going to be an exciting last day and I’ll take it all in.

“I owe the club a lot, so I’ll try and enjoy it as much as possible.

“When you go out on loan and you have such a good connection with the fans and the club; they’ve definitely got a fan for life and we’ll see what happens.”

Dobbin will conclude his loan at Deepdale with a home fixture against beaten FA Cup semi-finalists Southampton - who are still mathematically capable of achieving automatic promotion.

The Sheffield Star have claimed that Dobbin could be a target for Sheffield United in the summer, although he has insisted that there are lots of factors to consider before a decision over his next move is reached.

“It depends. There’s lots of factors. You’ve got to listen to what other clubs are saying,” he added.

“You’ve got to listen to what Aston Villa want for you as well. So it’s difficult.

“I think whatever happens, I’ll try and make it the most suitable move for me and the position I’m in.

“In my career at the moment, I’ve just got to make the most out of whatever situation I get throw into.”