Surprise Aston Villa and Sheffield United 'agreement' emerges after transfer deadline

Aston Villa are obligated to sign Cameron Archer back at the end of the season if Sheffield United are relegated from the Premier League, it has emerged.

The Villans take on the Blades this weekend and it was already going to be a complicated encounter as Archer faces his boyhood club. Things are convoluted even further, though, as a clause in the striker's United contract means the result of the game could have a big impact on his future.

Our sister publication The Star reports Villa must buy Archer back if United finish in the bottom three this campaign, albeit at a lower price than he was sold for. It would effectively make the deal an expensive loan rather than a permanent transfer. Unai Emery's side have the option to bring Archer back even if the Blades stay up, but that would be a higher fee and non-compulsory.

Sold to the Blades for £18 million in the summer, Archer has scored three goals in 20 Premier League appearances so far. It hasn't been the greatest success for the 22-year-old, especially with a recent reduction in game time. He did score at Villa Park in December, however, as he displayed his talents in front of his old employers.