Leeds battle Middlesbrough for star, Charlie Cresswell blown away by him in summer

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Leeds United are in the race to sign Aston Villa gem Cameron Archer with Unai Emery’s side putting him up for sale – and Charlie Cresswell is a big fan, labelling him “deadly” after both represented England’s U21 side this summer.

Cresswell and Archer were both part of Lee Carsley’s England U21 side that went to Eastern Europe and returned with the U21 European Championship trophy. Like Cresswell, Archer only started in the 2-0 win over Germany.

The third group game, when they had already secured progression into the knockout stages. But Archer did come on as a sub in four others, ending the tournament with two goals and an assist. Now, he is on the bench at Villa Park.

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs told Give Me Sport over the weekend that Archer – who was an unused sub during Villa’s 5-1 loss to Newcastle on Tyneside – has been put for sale. He says that Leeds and Middlesbrough are keen.

Leeds desperately need signings and certainly, require a striker. Archer would be a superb addition – judging by Cresswell’s verdict on the Villa ace. He told England’s website before the U21 tournament, that Archer is “deadly”.

“Cameron is deadly,” Cresswell summarised. “His finishing is really good, he’s sharp, and he knows where the goal is, as you can tell by his stats this season,” the Leeds defender continued, when summarising the Villa goal getter.

Leeds in race to sign Archer, Cresswell a big fan of deadly Villa striker

Archer would be a stunning signing. His form on loan at both Preston and Middlesbrough is proof of that. He scored seven goals in 20 games for Preston, and then 11 in 23 at Boro last season. He scores goals at Championship level.

Patrick Bamford is out injured, as is Mateo Joseph. Joe Gelhardt is being forced to play up top when, by his own admission, he is not a no.9. Georginio Rutter was fit enough to come off the bench against Birmingham on Saturday.

So, bringing in Archer would finally give Leeds another option up top. One that can be relied upon – unlike Bamford – and is proven at this level – unlike Gelhardt and Joseph. Rutter is better out wide, too. Archer is needed at Leeds.