Rangers chances of landing Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer appear to be fading.
The 19-year-old produced several eye-catching displays last season while on loan at Championship side Preston.
The striker is gearing up for pre-season with his parent club as Steven Gerrard evaluates his squad for next season.
Reports south of the border have indicated that a move to Rangers is on the cards if the former Ibrox boss decides to rubber stamp an exit next term.
However, Preston boss Ryan Lowe insists the player has told him he wants to return to Deepdale if he doesn't receive a shot at Villa Park.
Speaking to the Lancs Live , Lowe discussed his conversations with the player and Gerrard ahead of the summer window.
Lowe said: "If he becomes available, he's basically told me there's only one place he'd like to go and that's back here - so that is a big plus for us.
"I told him there is going to be loads spoken about him, loads of people throwing loads of money at Aston Villa to try and buy him.
"I don't think it is the right thing to do, for Aston Villa to sell him, I've already mentioned that to Stevie (Gerrard).
"He needs to stay around. I think he is a Premier League player because he's a goal scorer - a Jermain Defoe type.
"But I think if he goes out on loan to us again next season, he will find his feet, find his level and kick on the following year."
