By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

22nd Jul, 2023 | 9:57am

Sources: Liverpool ace Layton Stewart to sign for Preston North End as three-year deal agreed

Liverpool striker Layton Stewart is poised to join Preston in a permanent deal, sources have told Football Insider.

He has agreed a three-year deal at Deepdale and an announcement is believed to be imminent.

Stewart has been a prolific goalscorer in Liverpool’s youth sides and he netted 11 goals in 17 Premier League 3 games last season.

The 20-year-old striker made his senior debut for Jurgen Klopp’s side last season in the Carabao Cup against Derby.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month (7 July) that Stewart had emerged as a loan target for Barnsley, Blackpool and Northampton.

But it is Preston who have offered the youngster a permanent move and are now putting the finishing touches on a move.

He has managed 45 goals and seven assists in 62 total games in the Reds’ youth ranks – including in the UEFA Youth League.

The Liverpool-born ace, whose contract was set to expire in June 2025, made a full comeback last term after a serious knee injury sustained in March 2021 stunted his path to senior football.

Stewart ruptured his meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in Premier League 2 action against West Ham and spent more than a year on the sidelines before returning in April 2022.

Preston have already wrapped up four deals so far this summer.

Mads Frökjaer-Jensen, Duane Holmes and Will Keane have all joined the Lancashire club in permanent moves.

Meanwhile, North End have also already raided Liverpool to bring right-back Calvin Ramsey in on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.

Ryan Lowe’s side finished 12th last term and kick off the new campaign against Bristol City on 5 August.

In other news, Championship club agree deal for ex-Leeds man.