Middlesbrough are interested in bringing former loanee Cameron Archer back to the club, after he impressed at the Riverside Stadium last season – but they could face stern competition in the form of Leeds United, according to a report from journalist Ben Jacobs [via GIVEMESPORT].
While Leeds have yet to submit an official offer for the player, their interest seems to be apparent – additionally, Middlesbrough also have not made an offer as of yet.
Archer has been put up for sale by Villa boss Unai Emery. While he spent much of the season on loan at Boro last season, he could join on a permanent basis this time around.
How did Cameron Archer perform on loan at Middlesbrough last season?
While on loan at Middlesbrough last season, Archer made 20 appearances – over the course of the games he played in, the 21-year-old scored 11 goals and racked up six assists for Boro.
He quickly established himself as a top player in the Championship, displaying pace, power and a natural eye for goal. He linked up very well with Chuba Akpom – together, the pair formed a formidable partnership.
Will Cameron Archer boost Boro’s chances of promotion to the Premier League?
Bringing Archer back to the club would be a very positive move for Boro. With star player and top goalscorer Chuba Akpom moving ever close to a transfer away, Michael Carrick’s men will need to bolster their ranks in the centre-forward position.
Signing Archer, either on loan again or on a permanent basis, would be an excellent move for Boro at this moment in time – but they could struggle to compete financially with Leeds.
Having just been relegated from the Premier League, the Whites have recently enjoyed a large parachute payment – with several key players also leaving the club, they are in a strong financial position on the transfer front.
With this being said, Boro are set to receive a large fee when Akpom departs to join Ajax – therefore, if they can afford to recoup some of this, they may be able to financially compete with Leeds for Archer’s signature.
Currently, the player has yet to voice a preference on who he would rather play for – but given his strong spell at the Riverside Stadium last season, it is easy to believe that he may favour a return to the North East rather than West Yorkshire.