Preston North End talks continue over the permanent signing of a talent already connected with Sunderland.

Preston North End are still in talks with FC Basel about signing Liam Millar permanently.

On transfer deadline day in the summer window, the Lilywhites signed the Canadian international on a straight loan. Millar has been a bright spot at Deepdale, with three goals and five assists in 24 league appearances. He scored a last-gasp, miraculous strike winner against Leeds United on Boxing Day, as well as goals against Plymouth Argyle on debut and Swansea City.

Millar is under contract with Basel until 2025, but he is expected to leave the Swiss club this summer. The wide man wants to return to England this season, having joined Fulham’s academy at the age of 13 before moving to Liverpool in 2016. After five years with the Reds, Millar agreed to join Basel in 2021 for a reported £1.3 million. He is thought to have settled nicely back in the northwest.

PNE was unable to secure a loan with an option, or obligation, to purchase. As a result, any stronger competition may jeopardize Millar’s summer plans. North End director Peter Ridsdale has outlined the financial increase Preston should receive this summer. The Hemmings family has also been willing to spend big in recent transfer windows, paying seven-figure sums to sign Milutin Osmajic and Mads Frokjaer in 2023.

However, as much as PNE hopes to stay ahead of the curve with Millar, the power lies in the player’s hands – as the Canadian might simply wait until the summer to see what happens. By all accounts, he has enjoyed his time in a North End shirt and has slotted in quite well with the squad. The only difference between Millar and past loan players Tom Cannon and Cameron Archer is that he is not on the books of a Premier League side.

Following their time at Deepdale, Cannon and Archer went on for significant salaries – £7 million and £18 million, respectively. While Millar’s achievements may drive up his price and boost market competition (Sunderland has already been mentioned as a potential suitor), it is anticipated the Swiss club may part ways for a fee comparable to that paid in 2021.