'A lot of interest' - Journalist says 'outstanding' seven-goal ace may leave Villa this summer

Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer is attracting ‘a lot of interest’, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook says. 

20-year-old striker Archer, along with 19-year-old midfielder Jaden Philogene-Bidace, spent the second half of the season on loan in the Championship.

Archer joined Preston North End, while Philogene-Bidace headed to Stoke City.

The former was able to bag seven goals in 20 league appearances for the Lancashire outfit, averaging one every 2.5 games.

His Villa contract runs until the summer of 2025, and he’s currently valued at £5.4million by Transfermarkt.

Crook reported via his Twitter account on Friday morning that Archer is highly coveted.

He name-checks three of his numerous admirers – Steven Gerrard’s former club Rangers, relegated Watford and championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough.

Crook doesn’t state whether the clubs are pursuing a loan or a permanent transfer.

Archer is a highly promising talent, so any move should be a loan to further prepare him a first-team chance.

The England Under-21 international is too good to be playing U23 football at this point, having hit 17 goals and provided seven assists in 36 games at that level.

He’s only made six appearances for the senior side so far but he’s certainly made his mark, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-0 Carabao Cup win over Barrow last August and finding the net away to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in the next round too.

Gerrard must also be wary of blocking his path, with reports suggesting that he wants to sign another striker this summer.

If Archer sees Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and a new face in front of him, he may begin to consider other options.

And that would be a blow to Villa, with Archer billed by Clinton Morrison as an ‘outstanding‘ talent.

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