Leeds United will have to pay £20 million to land Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Whites’ pursuit of a new attacker before the end of the transfer window is no secret, particularly as the future of Wilfried Gnonto hangs in the balance.
The 19-year-old has reportedly handed in a transfer request amid speculation that Premier League outfit Everton were keen on the Italy international. However, the Toffees are now believed to have ended their interest, but there is thought to be other clubs considering a move, including Italian giants AS Roma.
England under-21 hero Archer is on the radar of the Yorkshire club, who was subject of a £10 million bid from Sheffield United earlier this month. However, Nixon claims that it will take double that amount to tempt Aston Villa into selling the talented youngster after only penning a new five-year contract last summer.
Archer spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship side Middlesbrough, where he earned plaudits for his performances. He became a key part of Michael Carrick’s attack as the Teesside club reached the play-offs, only to lose a tight two-legged semi-final to Coventry City. The youngster then returned to Villa Park having scored 11 goals in 23 appearances at the Riverside Stadium.
A permanent exit now looks to be on the cards, having played just five minutes of Villa’s opening two Premier League fixtures when he came off the bench in the 4-0 win over Everton yesterday.
It remains to be seen as to whether Leeds are prepared to meet Villa’s £20 million valuation of the player, and the Gnonto-saga is likely to play a part in their business during the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
Writer’s View
Cameron Archer is one of the most talented young strikers in English football, proven by his inclusion in the under-21’s success at the European Championship last month. Whether he is prepared to drop back down to the Championship is the big question though, particularly with Premier League interest from Sheffield United.
Aston Villa’s decision to slap a £20 million price tag on his head shows that they are reluctant to sell though, and he could still remain at the West Midlands side this summer.
