Everton to use 'very good connection' with Preston to agree Harrison Armstrong V2 deal

Everton will likely send Harvey Foster to Preston North End just as they did to develop Harrison Armstrong last season.

That is according to former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

There are some concerns over the 19-year-old's future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Foster is among the most exciting players yet to emerge from the Everton academy, and decision-makers at Finch Farm will not want to see him leave the club on a free transfer.

But despite handing him minutes in pre-season and no loan agreement having been found in the window, David Moyes is still yet to hand the teenager his competitive first-team debut.

Armstrong has become a key player for the Toffees this season, having spent the first half of last season on loan with Preston in the Championship.

Everton 'certainly won't sell' Harvey Foster

Foster has yet to shown an indication that he would be willing to leave Everton, but his contract situation is a concern.

The Toffees will hope that the promise of a loan in January will convince the 19-year-old to commit his future with a new deal.

"For me, he's at an age now where he should be certainly pushing for a first-team place," King told Football Insider.

"I'd start saying, if he's fit, 'why aren't you pushing for a first-team place?' Does it mean that there's a loan period coming on? They certainly won't sell him. 

"If they're going to sell him, it'll be next season. It won't be this one. So again, it's a question of seeing how he's going to progress now.

"He's 19, he's got to be knocking on the door. It'll be the same with this kid, he'll probably end up going to Preston, as they've got a very good connection with Everton, because of David Moyes."

Preston key to Harrison Armstrong development

While Armstrong and Foster are the same age, the former has already been on two loan moves.

First with Derby County in the 2024-25 campaign, before the midfielder went to Preston last season.

There, Armstrong massively impressed and became a key player for Paul Heckingbottom's side, gaining valuable experience that he has used at Everton.

Foster has not had the chance to do similar, but it is hoped that January could finally see him given an opportunity.