Steve Bruce responds to Cameron Archer question as West Brom target Aston Villa transfer

Steve Bruce remained coy on West Bromwich Albion’s interest in Hamza Choudhury and Cameron Archer when quizzed on the pair yesterday.

Albion have already snapped up free agents John Swift and Jed Wallace and Bruce is targeting further additions before the Championship season begins on July 30. Leicester City midfielder Choudhury - who Bruce previously tried to sign for Newcastle United - and Aston Villa hot-shot Archer are among his targets.

Walsall-born Archer is wanted by a host of Championship clubs after his impressive spell at Preston North End last season. Albion will be joined by Preston, Middlesbrough and Watford in the race to land the 20-year-old if Villa boss Steven Gerrard decides to loan him out again.

Gerrard plans to take a closer look at Archer in pre-season before deciding what to do with him. If Villa grant Archer another loan spell in the second tier, Bruce will look to pounce.

But the Albion boss wasn’t giving anything away when asked about interest in Choudhury and Archer on Thursday afternoon. “I can’t say a word on those two at all because I’ve been linked with about 50-odd,” replied Bruce. “It’s fair to say that we’re looking, but in what position is for you to find out.”

Archer scored 17 goals in 29 games against senior opposition last season after graduating from Villa's under-23s. Choudhury, 24, has 53 Premier League appearances under his belt with Leicester, but he only featured six times under Brendan Rodgers last term.