Steven Gerrard ‘conversation’ over Aston Villa striker transfer revealed by manager

Aston Villa are reaping the rewards of Steven Gerrard’s decision to send Cameron Archer on loan to Preston North End.

The striker was prolific in the Carabao Cup and the EFL Trophy during the first half of the season, while he also made three appearances in the Premier League.

Gerrard wanted Archer to play regularly after Christmas though and Championship suitors were in no short supply. Numerous clubs showed interest in Archer before Preston eventually sealed the deal.

Preston boss Ryan Lowe has previously explained how his relationship with Gerrard was key to signing Archer. The 20-year-old has been a revelation at Deepdale with five goals in 10 appearances in the Championship to put the Lilywhites in the mix for the play-offs.

One team who aren’t in contention for promotion is Cardiff City, who face Preston on Saturday afternoon, and their manager Steve Morison has revealed his own interest in Villa youngster Archer.

Speaking to WalesOnline ahead of the game, Morison admitted to holding talks with Villa over signing Archer on loan.

"Ryan's done great and they've made some good signings," Morison said. "Cameron Archer's a really good signing. Someone we were interested in as well.

"We had a conversation, like we had to do with all the loan players.

"We had to put presentations together for all of them and we did that for a couple of players at Aston Villa, and they decided to go to other teams.

"That was it. Not really any different to any conversations we've had with other players.

"He decided to go to Preston and that's about it."