Report: Leeds now leading chase for ‘fantastic’ £20m player, Championship rivals ruled out -Leeds United News
As per the report, it is also said that Southampton are not currently in the running for Archer despite the Daily Mail having claimed they were interested earlier this week.
Archer is set to be allowed to leave Villa this summer, with journalist Alan Nixon stating on his Patreon that Archer will be available for a fee of around £20 million.
Villa are also expected to demand a £50 million buy-back clause is inserted into the deal, as they look to keep one of their most promising youngsters within arms length.
Leeds and Sheffield United leading Archer chase
Leeds remain in the market for attacking reinforcements before the end of the window with a new number nine top of their list of priorities.
Archer is the name to have been most heavily linked in recent weeks, though clearly his asking price will provide a significant stumbling block.
According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, Archer would prefer to remain in the Premier League but it is also uncertain as to whether Sheffield United can meet the £20 million valuation.
Archer has already proven himself on two loan spells in the Championship during his career, netting 18 goals in 40 appearances for Preston North End and Middlesbrough respectively.
North End boss Ryan Lowe described Archer as a ‘fantastic’ player during his time working alongside him, and would clearly represent a significant coup if Leeds were to sign him.
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Football Transfers claim Everton are set to table a ‘final’ offer to land Leeds United and Italy winger Willy Gnonto after a number of rejected offers – with the Elland Road talent returning to training this week.
It comes after the 19-year-old refused to play against Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and then on Friday night, as Leeds hosted West Brom. It is believed he handed in a transfer request last Friday.
But out of nowhere, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that after talks with manager Daniel Farke and the club’s CEO Angus Kinnear – Gnonto has returned to training. He could be available to face Ipswich.
Everton remain interested in signing Gnonto, though. Despite having numerous offers rejected, even a £25m bid, they are still looking to bring him in. A new report claims they are preparing a final offer.
The last bid is expected to be worth in the region of £30m – a fee that Leeds might be more inclined to accept. A fee that would give Leeds money to spend, but also, massively improve our FFP outlook.
