Preston in 5 who can loan ‘effortless’ Newcastle gem as Howe mulls exit

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Newcastle United are set to speak to Elliot Anderson regarding a new contract before he potentially leaves Tyneside in another loan transfer, but which clubs could sign the very in-demand midfielder?

Anderson has enthralled talent spotters around the Football League after lighting up League Two at Bristol Rovers this season. The Scotland U21 international helped fire Joey Barton’s Pirates to third-place and secure automatic promotion on goal difference after joining on deadline day this January.

Barton unleashed Anderson in 21 fourth-tier fixtures during the attacking prospect’s first temporary spell away from St James’ Park. He repaid the former Magpies midfielder’s faith with eight goals and five assists, as well, after striking home seven and creating three in the final 11 games of the season.

Newcastle to hold contract talks with Anderson as Howe weighs up Toon role

Eddie Howe let Anderson join Bristol Rovers on loan, having opted against fielding the 19-year-old in any fixtures with Newcastle. The Whitley Bay-born maestro’s two first-team Toon appearances came under Steve Bruce in January 2021 at Arsenal in the FA Cup and the Premier League nine days apart.

Now, though, The Athletic report Howe has promised Anderson he will run the rule over the teen’s potential in pre-season. The Magpies boss will keep a close eye on how the Scot fares back with the club during the summer, before deciding whether or not another loan transfer would suit him best.

Several Championship and League One teams are monitoring the midfielder’s situation following his form with Bristol Rovers this season. Newcastle will also speak to Anderson in the medium-term to discuss a new contract, which would hand the youngster improved terms on his deal ending in 2024.

Howe is still undecided on retaining Anderson for at least the first half of next term as he would not have to name the Toon product in his 25-man Premier League squad. A step up from his League Two loan to the Championship would also be the most likely move if the Toon chase a temporary switch.

So, with Anderson potentially set to leave Newcastle on loan in the summer transfer window, which Championship clubs could possibly look to strike a deal if Howe feels he needs another spell away?

Preston North End interested in Newcastle raid for Elliot Anderson loan transfer

Preston North End are potentially among the Championship sides interested in signing Anderson on loan from Newcastle this summer. The Mirror (03/04, p70) cited the Deepdale natives as one of his likely suitors recently, having been captivated by what the teenager achieved while at Bristol Rovers.

Lilywhites boss Ryan Lowe may want Anderson to help improve his side’s offensive weaponry after ending the 2021/22 campaign 13th. Preston missed out on the automatic promotion positions by 16 points, plus the play-offs by 11. They also only had the 17th-best offence of 24, with 52 goals scored.

Queens Park Rangers have eyes on loaning Elliot Anderson from Newcastle

The Mirror (03/04, p70) also reported Queens Park Rangers had their eyes on loaning Anderson from Newcastle this summer. However, the claims surfaced before QPR let boss Mark Warburton leave at the end of the term, and hiring Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa assistant Michael Beale as his successor.

Beale could keep QPR in contention to loan Anderson should the west London outfit’s interest stem beyond their former manager. He will want to strengthen the ranks at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium after the Rs only finished 11th this season with a nine point deficit to the play-off positions.

Luton Town could revive January interest in St James’ swoop after Anderson deal fell through

Luton Town could emerge as a potential Championship landing spot for Anderson if Howe feels the Newcastle talent needs another loan. The Hatters were keen on his services during the winter sales, before missing out on Premier League promotion after losing to Huddersfield Town in the play-offs.

Nathan Jones will not want to let Luton’s momentum slip and could welcome a deal for a talent like Anderson, who Callum Wilson’s called ‘unbelievable’. The Scot was close to moving to Kenilworth Road this January, as well, per The Athletic, only for the projected transfer to ultimately fall through.

Steve Bruce could seek Elliot Anderson reunion at West Brom this summer

Bruce showered Anderson with praise following the Newcastle product’s enthralling first-team debut in the FA Cup against Arsenal. The midfielder did not let the occasion get to him after entering the tie in the 81st minute and constantly took the game to the Gunners, before slipping to a late 2-0 defeat.

“I think you’ve seen it yourself, haven’t you?” Bruce said, via Chronicle Live. “As soon as he comes on to the pitch, he accepts the ball and receives the ball. He never looks rushed. Everything is effortless to him and easy. We hope he’s got a big future… He could have scored in the last minute.”

Now, Bruce could seek to reunite with Anderson at West Brom, after ending the Championship term in 10th-place. The Baggies also ended the season with only the second-tier’s 17th-best offence, level with Preston, on 52 goals. Additionally, only 18 of their efforts came across 17 games under Bruce.

Sheffield Wednesday among League One outfits keen on Elliot Anderson deal

Plenty of League One clubs are also keen on signing Anderson should the midfielder leave Newcastle on loan, including Sheffield Wednesday. Yorkshire Live report the Owls have scouted the maestro for some time and had lined up a temporary deal this January, but injuries turned attentions elsewhere.

Sheffield Wednesday remain keen on taking Anderson to Hillsborough if the chance arises, with boss Darren Moore determined to sign a new midfielder. He could prove the missing piece of their puzzle after the Owls missed out on promotion to the Championship after losing in the play-off semi-finals.

Barton will also ensure Bristol Rovers challenge for Anderson again if Newcastle let him go on loan to League One. So, Howe should have plenty of options to pick where United place the promising talent this summer, if he decides after pre-season that another temporary transfer is what he needs now.