Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom says Harrison Armstrong returning to Deepdale this season is “an option”, if that’s the best thing for his development.
The 18-year-old midfielder made 13 Championship starts after joining North End on deadline day in September but was recalled by parent club Everton on 1 January and came off the bench for the Toffees in Sunday’s defeat by Brentford before starting Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Wolves.
Heckingbottom said he had been in regular contact with Everton boss David Moyes, who used to both play for and manage Preston.
“From my point of view Harrison’s job is to get in the Everton team and stay there,” Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“But I also think we are involved in a process where the decision is what’s best for Harrison over the longer piece.
“It’s what’s going to put him in the best position for Everton for the start of next season.
“We’re an option for them in that respect. Harrison would want to come back to us if that were the case and David would want him to come to us.
“It’s valuable experience, he’s enjoyed his time here. We can offer him a lot. But if Everton can offer him that he’ll stay there.”