Cameron Archer is a wanted man this summer - and there are plenty of clubs seemingly lying in wait and ready to pounce if he becomes available on a deal.

Both Preston North End and Watford have been linked with potential moves for the player during the offseason but it has been unclear whether or not Steven Gerrard would allow the player to exit Villa Park this transfer window.

Now, according to The Athletic, it appears as though he could be allowed out on another short-term deal - but that his parent club would prefer to send him to a team that are looking at a potential Championship promotion next season over another team.

PNE ended up in midtable last season but with Ryan Lowe having a full refresh and a reshuffle over the summer, there is every chance he could turn them into a play-off chasing team in the next campaign, especially considering how he improved the side since he took over.

Watford too will believe that they can be promotion contenders, having just been relegated from the Premier League themselves.

Archer will be more familiar with Deepdale, having spent the second half of the campaign on loan with the club last season. He was given 20 league outings since January and produced seven goals during that stint, impressing many involved with the Lilywhites with his showings.

Now, it looks like a deal could certainly be doable - but only if a side can seemingly prove they will be in the hunt for a second tier promotion when the new campaign begins.