Aston Villa must finalise new Archer deal immediately with 'big clubs sniffing' around - pundit
Frank McAvennie has urged Aston Villa to wrap up a new deal for Cameron Archer amid mounting transfer interest.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on the youngster's future.
Football Insider understands Aston Villa are offering Cameron Archer an improved deal to stop him quitting in January.
This site revealed on 15 September the striker sensation, 20, has opened talks with the club over a new contract.
A Villa source has told Football Insider Villa are working on agreeing a deal that includes a big pay hike for Archer and are hopeful a deal can be done ahead of the January window.
Archer scored his side's equaliser against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
It is understood Villa are aware of Premier League and European interest in the rising star.
McAvennie told Villa to sort out Archer's future as quickly as possible.
"We have said this so many times," McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
"When you are a young player and you get given a chance, you have to take it.
"This boy has done that. Over the last months, Smith will have been speaking to him.
"Telling him the usual, if you work hard you will get rewarded and it sounds like he's about to see those rewards.
"He's a top talent and they won't want to lose him to some of the big clubs who come sniffing.
"He's on their radar now so they need to get that sorted."