Aston Villa set for transfer windfall after ‘agreeing fee’ with Premier League rivals

Sheffield United are said to be closing in on the signing of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer.

The Blades have been on the lookout for a new frontman following promotion back to the Premier League, and it seems as though they have found their man. Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Villa frontman Archer over recent days, along with Leeds United, and it seems as though Paul Heckingbottom’s men have won the race.

According to YorkshireLive, Archer has been given permission to discuss a move with the Blades.

It’s claimed an agreement has been reached with Villa, but no fee is mentioned amid a reported £20million valuation from the Midlands club. The report claims a deal is unlikely to be concluded on Wednesday, but Blades are hoping to get a deal done ahead of Sunday’s tough-looking clash with champions Manchester City.

Archer spent last season on loan with Championship club Middlesbrough, scoring 11 times in just 20 league appearances, while he is also an 11-time former England uner-21 international, ending his Three Lions youth career by winning the under-21 Euros earlier this summer.

He has made 10 league appearances for Villa’s first team since 2019, but he is yet to score in the league. Archer formed part of Unai Emery’s pre-season plans, but he was never likely to displace Ollie Watkins, and it looks as though Villa will now take the opportunity to secure a transfer windfall to cover for their significant spending so far this summer.

It will be interesting to see whether Villa insert any kind of buy-back or sell-on clause in the deal given the young striker’s big potential. Though, if Sheffield United are willing to pay Villa’s full £20million valuation, it’s unlikely there are additional clauses.