Aston Villa's plan for Cameron Archer as Steven Gerrard receives transfer offer

Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer continued his fine goalscoring form for England Under-21s with a brace in the 5-0 win over Kosovo on Friday night.

The 20-year-old now has 23 goals across all competitions for club and country this campaign, having netted 20 times in 33 appearances before the end of the domestic season. Archer excited Villa fans with his early season performances by firing in a hat-trick against Barrow and scoring against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup, as well as making his Premier League debut.

After bagging six goals in four EFL Trophy games for Villa’s under-23 side, he went to Preston on loan in January. Archer made an instant impact for the Lancashire side, scoring on his debut against West Bromwich Albion and eventually registering seven goals in 20 appearances.

He became a popular figure at Deepdale, and Preston director Peter Ridsdale has admitted the club are eager to have Archer return next season. Ridsdale has provided an update on the club’s pursuit of the striker.

"We have asked the question of Aston Villa," Ridsdale told the From the Finney podcast. "We have made it absolutely clear that, were he to be available for loan, we will match any other deal in the Championship to get him back.

"And they have just said 'we will come back for pre-season and take a view subject to what recruitment they do', so we don’t know. We’re planning the squad without him, but leaving a slot in the squad for him and let’s see what happens."

Preston boss Ryan Lowe has previously spoken about his desire to have Archer as part of his squad next season and claimed the player felt the same way . However, despite already having Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings at his disposal, Steven Gerrard