Following their hugely impressive start to the season, it is perhaps little surprise to see rumours emerge linking one of Preston North End's key players with a move to the Premier League.

According to recent reports from The Sun, top-flight quartet Everton, Newcastle, Brighton and Wolves are all taking an interest in centre back Ben Davies, who has been an ever-present in the Championship for Alex Neil's side during the campaign, with the Lilywhites currently third in the second-tier standings.

It is clear therefore, that Davies' departure in the January transfer to one of those top-flight sides could have a significant impact on Preston's own hopes of competing for a place in the Premier League next season.

But would it be a bad thing for everyone at the club?

Here, we've taken a look at one winner and one loser from Davies' potential move to the Premier League, amongst those in Preston's current squad.

Winner: Jordan Storey

Having joined Preston from League Two Exeter City in the summer of 2018, it was a fairly eventful start to life at Deepdale for Storey, who made 32 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign in Lancashire.

This season however, things have been rather different, with the new centre back partnership of Davies and summer signing Patrick Bauer meaning that Storey has been restricted to just a single substitute appearance in the Championship this season, despite being named in the matchday squad on eight occasions in the league.

It seems therefore, that Storey may need something of a break if he is to force his way back up the pecking order and into the starting XI for Preston, and Davies' departure could offer him just that.

Loser: Declan Rudd

Despite Preston's hugely impressive start to the Championship season, it does still seem as though there are some lingering questions over goalkeeper Declan Rudd.

While there can be no doubting the quality of his shot-stopping, there are still some concerns to be had about Rudd's decision making and command of his area, which could be heightened by the departure of Davies.

If the 24-year-old centre back does indeed move on, then that is something that is likely to weaken Preston's defence, which you imagine could put Rudd under further pressure behind it, to the point where he could find himself making the sort of errors that invite further scrutiny on himself, and ultimately cost his side in the battle for a place in the Premier League.

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