Southampton in advanced talks to sign £18.5m Aston Villa starlet after Bournemouth snub
Talks are advanced between Southampton and Aston Villa over the transfer of a former Bournemouth target.
Cameron Archer could be set to leave Villa for good this summer as the recently promoted Premier League side Southampton are working to sign him.
The striker spent last season at Sheffield United after completing a permanent £18.5 million move away – but the Blades’ relegation activated a clause that meant Villa were obliged to buy him back.
Archer failed to meet the levels Sheffield United expected of him last season as he scored just four goals in 30 Premier League appearances. There’s definitely a talented player in there, though, as he has scored six times in 11 games for England Under-21s. He’s also scored four times in 14 competitive matches for Villa.
The Athletic reports Southampton are showing faith in Archer and have kick-started negotiations with Villa over his potential acquisition. No agreement has been reached yet but the situation is said to be advancing as the Saints seek to bolster their attack ahead of the new campaign.
AFC Bournemouth were interested in signing Archer at the start of the summer but then switched their attention to other targets, Birmingham World understands. Andoni Iraola’s side were still keen following Dominic Solanke’s recent £65 million departure for Tottenham Hotspur but alternatives have taken priority.
The Cherries, snubbing an advance for Archer, are now set to complete the record £40.25 million signing of Porto striker Evanilson, as per Fabrizio Romano. With the deal fully agreed between the clubs and player, medical tests have been booked for Evanilson to seal a stunning transfer to Vitality Stadium.