EFL clubs chase Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer

Aston Villa are fending off mounting interest in prolific young striker Cameron Archer.

A number of EFL clubs including Championship duo Preston and Derby are keen to take the 20 year-old on loan this month.

League One sides Sunderland, Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Lincoln are also among those who will be in the running if Archer is made available.

Manager Steven Gerrard is a fan of the youngster and with Keinan Davis and Wesley out on loan Archer is the next striker in line behind Villa’s established options of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

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Archer has fired himself into contention this season with 12 goals in 12 games for Villa’s first team and second string.

Four of his goals have come for the senior side including a hat-trick on his full debut against Barrow in the EFL Cup. Archer also scored in the same competition against Chelsea.

He was rewarded for his breakthrough last month with a new contract that runs until 2025 and Villa’s current intention is to keep Archer in and around their first team.