Greenlight turned on for Leeds: All is set for Leeds to sign Cameron Archer at Aston Villa
Leeds United are likely to make an approach for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in their pursuit of a new centre-forward, according to Last Word on Sport.
The Championship side are in need of another new player up top after seeing the likes of Rodrigo Moreno depart since their relegation from the Premier League, while Patrick Bamford continues to struggle with injury issues.
It was reported by the online outlet on Monday [14 August] that Leeds are continuing to work on signing a new forward before the transfer window closes in a little over two weeks’ time, with Villa’s Archer one of those in the frame.
The report does not specify whether United are targeting a permanent deal or loan arrangement for the Englishman, but the latter appears more likely at this stage.
Proven pedigree
Outgoing activity has dominated the transfer columns in the past few days as far as Leeds are concerned.
Jack Harrison is closing in on a move to Everton [Fabrizio Romano], while Wilfried Gnonto, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra may all also move on [Mail on Sunday].
Daniel Farke needs at least one new attacking player – but ideally more – before the transfer window closes at 11pm on 1 September if Leeds are to have a realistic chance of challenging for promotion back to the top flight.
Archer seems a great choice for the Whites on the face of it, given the 21-year-old proved what he is capable of in the Championship during a productive spell on loan with Middlesbrough last season.
Door open
Archer looked to be on the cusp of a breakthrough at Villa Park for some time but after proving himself more than once in the Championship it appears that opportunity still isn’t going to come now.
While Daniel Farke has various options for players who can stand in as a striker when pushed he only has Bamford as a senior number nine and the emerging youngsters Joseph and Sonny Perkins.
Amid extensive upheaval in the transfer market the Leeds United boss is currently unable to say for certain if any of his squad will remain past the close of the transfer window, but he surely needs a striker in that time.
With a contract that runs until 2027 Archer is unlikely to be a bargain, but in terms of a player who has shown he can be effective in the second tier he might be worth the cost if the Whites can afford it.
The Villa man also previously scored seven times for Preston North End and the fact that he is available shows the opportunity is there to address a need at Elland Road.
Joe Gelhardt started the 1-0 loss at Birmingham City on Saturday but it has become clear in the past 18-months he is not at his best leading the line.
The Whites have been linked to the likes of Joel Piroe, Michail Antonio and Yussuf Poulsen this summer, but a chance to land Archer might be where they finally find success.
The Walsall native scored 11 goals and assisted six more for Boro in just 22 appearances, having only arrived on loan at the Riverside midway through the campaign.
Archer also tasted Euro U21 success with England in the summer, yet it appears Villa are willing to let the youngster spend another campaign away from the West Midlands to gain further experience.
With plenty of talented attacking options in their rank but no pure goalscorer, Leeds must ensure they are at the front of the queue to land Archer should the Villans sanction his temporary exit.
