Leeds United have been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer as the Villans have agreed an £18 million fee with Premier League side Sheffield United, according to Sky Sports.
Over the past few weeks, a whole host of clubs were battling it out for the young centre-forward’s signature but Football League World reported yesterday that the Peacocks had taken the lead in the race.
Southampton and Luton Town were also interested in signing the U21s European champion but it looks as though Sheffield United are set to finalise a deal for the player very soon.
Archer has scored 35 goals in 91 appearances across his last three loan spells, including 11 in 20 Championship games with Middlesbrough last season as Michael Carrick’s side reached the playoff semifinals.
The deal between Aston Villa and Sheffield United includes a fee of £18 million which would make him the Blades’ third most expensive signing of all-time behind Rhian Brewster and Sander Berge.
Sheffield United initially bid £10 million for Archer which was rejected by Aston Villa, as per Football Insider, since the Europa Conference League club were holding out for closer to £20 million.
Football Insider also claimed that this high price tag was the reason why Leeds United felt signing Archer on a permanent basis would be difficult to achieve despite keen interest in the youngster.
Writer’s View
Archer had an excellent season last term with Middlesbrough under Carrick and became a player who looked ready for the Premier League, regardless of whether Boro made it or not.
However, it seemed plausible that Archer could have made it into Villa’s first-team this time around but head coach Unai Emery had other ideas. Now, we’ll see what he can really do in the Premier League at Bramall Lane.
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