The Athletic’s Phil Hay has told The Square Ball podcast that “the feeling is” Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer will remain in the Premier League if he leaves Villa Park – despite interest from Leeds United.
Archer, 21, is a target for Leeds after he scored seven goals in half a season at Preston and then joining Middlesbrough last January, he scored 11 goals in 23 games. Reporter Ben Jacobs said Leeds are keen.
Then, over the weekend, The Sun’s Alan Nixon said Villa want £20m. He also said that Sheffield United want Archer, but with Villa requesting a buyback clause, the Blades want that to be worth a huge £50m.
Now, Hay has explained the situation surrounding Archer and Leeds. He says that Leeds like the England U21 star, a player Charlie Cresswell rates highly. Hay says that if he does go, he will stay in the top tier.
“You will have seen the links with Cameron Archer at Villa. They do like Archer but the feeling is, vibe seems to be that if he goes, he will go to a Premier League club. Sheffield United seem very, very keen.”
Hay: Feeling is Archer will remain in PL despite Leeds interest
However, the longer the stalemate remains between Villa and Sheffield United – then more the chance that Leeds could end up striking a deal with Villa, Archer. He will not want to stay at Villa this summer.
Unai Emery has just signed Nicolo Zaniolo, pushing Archer down the pecking order even further. He now sits behind Ollie Watkins, Jhon Duran and Zaniolo. He needs a move – preferably to a top-tier outfit.
But if Sheffield United cannot agree a move – and Villa may be against loaning him out to a Premier League side – then Leeds instantly have a chance. But that may have to wait until the latter stages.
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