What Simon Grayson said about Cameron Archer joining Leeds United after massive win over Cardiff City

Add as preferred source on Google

Cameron Archer looks likely to be Leeds United’s main transfer target going into the final couple of days and Simon Grayson has given his verdict on Archer’s possible arrival at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has made it clear he would like a new striker at Leeds and Archer is being strongly linked with a move to Elland Road. A £15m signing for Southampton last summer, he wants regular game time.

But the Saints will be keen to keep Archer. He has five goals in 22 games this season, and boss Ivan Juric has said he expects Archer to stay. However, Archer was not in Southampton’s squad on Saturday.

Leeds have seen a loan bid rejected for Archer, but are set to return with a second off that could include a permanent option – or an obligation. Simon Grayson was speaking after Saturday’s 7-0 win over Cardiff.

• READ MORE: Simon Grayson has also discussed if Leeds United should sign Jamie Vardy

Simon Grayson’s verdict on Leeds United target Cameron Archer

Archer is certainly proven at this level. In 40 Championship appearances during loans at Middlesbrough and Preston while on Aston Villa’s books, Archer had a hand in 25 goals – 18 goals and seven assists.

Four goals in 32 at Sheffield United has been followed by five in 22 at Southampton, but the possibility of two relegations in the process. Grayson discussed if Archer would start for Farke, on BBC Radio Leeds.

He also thinks Farke will make a demand of Archer: “[If Archer is questioning game time after 7-0 win]. That’s the man-management skills of Daniel Farke, he’ll say no you’re coming in to be my striker.

“He might sign Monday, be available on Wednesday, and then there will be some point at which he starts. If you get a chance and don’t produce, then you’ll be on the bench. He is proven in the Championship.”

Cameron Archer’s Championship stats compared to Leeds strikers

As aforementioned, Archer has enjoyed his time in England’s second tier and that form – combined with his age – has seen Premier League clubs give him a chance and spend more than £30m on him in total.

Whether or not he is the answer in the Premier League for Leeds remains to be seen. But certainly, in the Championship he is excellent and Leeds are simply hell-bent on securing promotion as things stand.

Moulding this squad into an outfit that can withstand the threat of relegation comes in the summer, if The Whites do go up. Right now, Leeds will be focused on promotion and Archer improves their chances.