Striker transfer hint dropped as West Brom plan move late in window

If Steven Gerrard had to make a decision on the spot about whether Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer would be remaining at the club beyond the end of the summer transfer window, he’d as of now keep the youngster in his squad.

West Bromwich Albion are among a number of Championship clubs who have an interest in marksman Archer, who flourished in a half-season long loan spell at Preston North End where he scored seven in 19.

The 20-year-old then complemented those goals by scoring in three consecutive games for the England under 21s in June, as well as in friendlies this summer against Walsall and Brisbane Roar. In short, he’s enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season.

It might’ve been easy for Gerrard to simply make the call early into the window that Archer would be permitted a third loan spell of his career because he’s able to call on first team pair Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, but such is the striker’s form in front of goal he’s playing a waiting game.

Indeed right now, if he was pressed for a call on the spot, Gerrard would be inclined to hold onto Archer - but a concrete decision will be made further down the line when the situation has been assessed again.

“Cam showed everything that Cam’s about, movement, quality, could have a hat-trick but for a few good blocks,” Gerrard said after the 1-0 win over the Roar. “Again with Cam, if you didn’t let me leave the room and I had to make a decision now, he’d be staying in the door.”

Archer is in the same category currently as ex-Albion academy product Tim Iroegbunam, who has also been playing in the first team Down Under.

“They really stepped forward,” Gerrard added, speaking of the pair. “What they’re doing is they’re sending messages to more experienced people that