Preston North End have suffered from inconsistency so far in the Championship, with yesterday's defeat against Middlesbrough confirming there's some business to be done in January. 

There's movement already at Deepdale but not a move that will flatter the Preston' fans, after Arsenal loanee Stephy Mavididi is set to return back to his parent club Arsenal as he awaits further instructions, according to reports.

The 19-year-old youth-product has struggled for chances under manager Alex Neil, as he made 4 starts and 7 appearances of the bench during his time at the club.

After failing to feature in Preston's squad on New Year's Day, there was always going to be some movement for the striker.

Indeed, after being sent out on loan to Charlton Athletic last season where he suffered an injury 5 games into his spell, there's a point to be proven back at The Valley.

After beating Charlton to the signing of the defender back in January they'd have hoped for a bigger impact than they got from the youngster, with him turning out to be surplus to requirements at Deepdale.

Although his destination may now have been discovered, as according to reports League 1 side Charlton Athletic are set to take the attacker back on loan after agreeing a loan deal for the remainder of the season.

The verdict

Mavididi is a promising prospect but failed to prove himself when given the chance under Alex Neil.

Perhaps a shortage of game-time for the youngster, mixed with struggling to adjust to the physicality of Championship football may have been the downfall for the youngster.

Nevertheless, he did show sparks of potential from a wider position, but the Championship may be a league too high for the forward at this moment in time, with a move to Charlton much more suited.

Alex Neil is better off searching for a different attacking outlet in the January transfer window, in order to bolster what is a shallow Preston squad.

Preston fans... Let us know your thoughts!