The 21-year-old first signed professional terms at Deepdale in 2018, before then a year later extending his stay until 2022.

The midfielder, from Chorley, often plays the holding role in the centre of the park. He signed with the academy at under-9 level.

Baxter played 30 times for the youth team in the 2019/20 season, captaining the side a handful of times.

He proved a great set-piece taker, with 5 of his 6 goals coming from the penalty spot, the other a fine free-kick.

Since becoming professional, Baxter has been sent out on loan to Chorley, Stalybridge Celtic and Clitheroe, before finishing the 2020/21 season at Cork City.

Baxter then joined Rangers` league rivals Radcliffe on loan in October 2021 and he went on to score a free-kick on his debut for the club against eventually promoted Buxton.

Stafford have beaten off interest from several other clubs to secure Baxter’s services.