Aston Villa player told to snub Sheffield United and join his 'home' Preston North End | OneFootball

Lewis Dobbin is currently on loan at Preston North End from Aston Villa

Preston North End have been unable to sustain their push for promotion into the second half of the season.

Paul Heckingbottom will now be turning his attention to the summer transfer window, as he looks to build a team that can improve on their position in the table.

The Lilywhites will go into the final round of fixtures this weekend 12th, but 10 points adrift of the play-off places.

One player whose future is up in the air as the season draws to a close is Lewis Dobbin, who has spent the campaign at Deepdale on loan from Aston Villa.

The forward has been a standout figure for Preston, contributing nine goals and eight assists from 38 league appearances.

The 23-year-old’s future is uncertain as his return to Villa Park draws near, with Sheffield United linked with a move for the winger ahead of the summer.

David Unsworth urges Preston to take Lewis Dobbin stance

David Unsworth has told Lewis Dobbin that he should stick with Preston next season as he approaches the end of his time at the club, suggesting that Deepdale feels like his home.

The former Preston coach worked with the winger during his time at Everton, and he believes it is time for him to settle down with a club after going out on loan so many times already in his career.

“I think he has found a home,” said Unsworth, via the BBC.

“He has had certain loan moves, he's had a big move from Everton and never quite hit it off anywhere.

“I think he has found a home and I hope he can stay.

“I hope they can do some sort of deal.

“We know him, he is playing with confidence out there.

“He took his goal really well.

“When you find a home, you've got to stay, haven't you? You cannot always keep searching for the next club and the next club.

“Find a home, be a star, get them promoted... I hope Lewis Dobbin can be a Preston player next year."

Dobbin came through the Everton academy system before joining Aston Villa in the 2024 summer transfer window.

Since then, he has gone out on loan to West Brom and Norwich City, as well as his time with Preston, and he’s yet to feature in Unai Emery’s side.

The 23-year-old has a contract with the Premier League side until June 2028, but it is unclear whether he will feature in their first team plans going forward.

A permanent move away from Villa Park could be on the cards this summer, or perhaps another loan, as he looks to develop his game.

It remains to be seen whether Preston would be able to convince Dobbin to remain at Deepdale long-term, particularly with Sheffield United now interested.

Preston are 12th in the Championship table, while the Blades are three points behind in 15th going into the final weekend of the campaign.

The Lilywhites will host promotion-chasing Southampton on 2 May, while Chris Wilder’s side will be away to Derby County, with both games getting underway at 12.30pm.

Preston stay would be great business for Preston

If Preston can convince Dobbin to remain at Deepdale beyond this loan spell, then that would be great business for Heckingbottom.

He’s excelled this season, showing he can be a top Championship player with his quality attacking threat.

It’s no surprise that Wilder is interested in bringing him to Bramall Lane, but the fact he is settled at Preston should sway him towards staying if those become his two primary options.

It remains to be seen whether Preston could afford a permanent move for the 23-year-old, but even just another loan to the Lancashire outfit would be a sensible step for his career.