Middlesbrough are now in advanced talks to secure the loan transfer of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer. Michael Carrick’s side are leading a raft of Championship clubs for a deal.
That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports Boro are closing in on signing the 21-year-old for the rest of the campaign. Archer has barely had a look in for Aston Villa so far this term and has an increased fight for minutes in Birmingham with Unai Emery targeting forwards.
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But Middlesbrough view Archer as their top target to bolster Carrick’s attack and build on his early results in charge. The Teesside natives have won seven and drawn one of their 10 league matches since hiring the Manchester United icon in October to go fifth in the table.
Carrick’s early impact has also impressed Aston Villa, who are now happy for Archer to join Middlesbrough in a mid-season loan transfer. They also feel a temporary departure would suit his and their interests. The Villans still retain high hopes Archer can be a senior talent.
Archer could further prove the difference in Boro’s bid to secure prometon back into the Premier League this season. He impressed in the Championship whilst on loan to Preston North End last term. But Steven Gerrard then effectively froze him out once back at Villa.
Middlesbrough are closing in on Cameron Archer’s loan transfer from Aston Villa
Archer scored seven and assisted one goal in 20 Championship games during his loan spell with Preston. Lilywhites boss Ryan Lowe also called the Walsall-born frontman ‘fantastic’ last February. He also lauded the striker for his strength and for ‘that little burst of pace’.
Yet the Aston Villa product has barely had a chance to impress after returning to Villa Park in the summer. The striker has only played seven games across all competitions for a total of 51 minutes. Six of those appearances have come in the Premier League for 43 minutes.
So, Emery is now willing to let Archer leave Aston Villa for Middlesbrough in a loan transfer in January. The move will surely come as a blow for Preston boss Lowe, too. He had stated in December his desire to see the forward return to Deepdale for another temporary spell.
“Everyone knows he’s our number one choice if he becomes available,” Lowe declared, via quotes by Lancs Live. “I’ve got to respect Unai Emery, with what he wants to do with Cam and the football club. Until then we cannot disclose anything because he’s not our player.”
Lowe added: “He’s a fantastic talent and that’s why he was well-loved here. I think he will be champing at the bit to play footy, definitely, like most youngsters who are in Premier League teams and not playing.
“The most important thing for any young lad is to be playing football. It’d be unfair of me to keep talking about him. But if and when he becomes available, then we’ll act.”
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