Sources: Sunderland make move for Aston Villa star Cameron Archer
Sunderland are among a number of Championship clubs chasing Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in January, sources have told Football Insider.
The forward, 20, has found his first-team chances limited this season under firstly Steven Gerrard and then Unai Emery with just 43 minutes of Premier League football across six appearances.
Clubs in the second tier are queuing up to take Archer on loan for the second half of the season.
It is believed that Sunderland are among the teams who have made enquiries about Archer’s possible availability in the January transfer window.
Archer had successful spell on loan at Preston last season where he scored seven goals in 20 Championship appearances.
He is highly regarded at Villa, where he is a graduate of the club’s academy and seen as a future first-team star.
New boss Emery must decide whether to keep Archer as forward back-up, or to give him the opportunity of regular first-team football at a Championship club.
At Villa, he is behind a group of proven stars in the forward pecking order including orthodox front men Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, as well as the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Philippe Coutinho.
Archer signed a new five-year Villa contract in August after being assured of his place in the club’s first-team plans.
He has made 13 appearances in total for the Midlands giants, which have yielded four goals including a memorable League Cup hat-trick.
In other news, Aston Villa star man has had ‘fall-out’ with Emery – sources,