Manager expects Everton player to join on loan, worst-case scenario prepared for

Harrison Armstrong could be set to leave Everton already.

Armstrong returned to Everton on 1 January after a hugely positive spell in the Championship while on loan at Preston North End.

The 18-year-old has gone on to feature three times since his move back to Merseyside, including 120 minutes in the Everton defeat against Sunderland last time out.

The England under-19 international has filled in for Idrissa Gueye while he’s been with Senegal at AFCON, but may not be required after the tournament ends.

That could see Armstrong depart the Hill Dickinson Stadium before the winter window ends, with preparations being made for every eventuality.

Harrison Armstrong could now return to Preston North End

Armstrong put in a good shift against Sunderland and was unfortunate to be on the losing side after a slog through FA Cup extra time and penalties.

The teenager already looks accomplished for the Toffees, but he would certainly benefit from further experience in the second tier.

He thrived with Derby County last campaign and was doing well with Preston before he was forced back to link up with David Moyes and Co.

A second spell at Deepdale could be on the cards this winter despite only playing three matches since his recall to Merseyside.

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire on Thursday that he expects the midfielder to return, but is ready for any situation that January throws at him.

He said: “I’m preparing for him to come back. It’s not down to me. You hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

“If something happens with Harrison and he doesn’t come back, we need to fill that one [spot in the squad].“

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Everton would be bold to let Armstrong go

The teen may not be the most ideal option for a Premier League side, but there is no doubting his potential as a future star.

Armstrong is certainly benefiting from time at Preston, with regular minutes as a starter helping him to grow and develop as a midfielder.

There are benefits to time in the Championship, but staying at Everton would allow him to learn from a higher-quality player and build on Gueye’s experience.

It will be a risk to let the Englishman go again, especially with such a lack of squad depth on Merseyside right now.

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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