Rangers have been linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this summer amid a busy summer window.
But his immediate future may have already been decided by Steven Gerrard.
The 19-year-old produced several eye-catching displays last season for both club and country.
Having been used sparingly in the opening half of the season at Villa, Archer was shipped out on loan to Preston in January.
The frontman netted seven times in the Championship, and has kept up that form for the England Under-21s netting in a 3-0 win over Albania.
Reports south of the border have indicated that a move to the Scottish Premiership is on the cards.
However, in an interview that has remerged in the English media as speculation ramps up after his heroics on international duty, Rangers have been dealt a blow.
Former loan side Preston are also in the running for a deal and have offered a big hint at the teenager's plans this summer.
Speaking to The Finney podcast, owner Peter Risdale confessed that he had already approached Villa about a move next season.
However, Gerrard wants to take a second look at the player in pre-season.
Risdale said: “We have asked the question of Aston Villa.
“We have made it absolutely clear that, were he to be available for loan, we will match any other deal in the Championship to get him back and they have just said ‘we will come back for pre-season and take a view subject to what recruitment they do’, so we don’t know.
“We’re planning the squad without him, but leaving a slot in the squad for him and let’s see what happens,”
