Steve Bruce receives huge Aston Villa transfer boost after Ismaila Sarr deal collapses

All the latest West Brom news as BirminghamLive brings you an update regarding Cameron Archer

Patrick Rowe Football Writer

11:37, 22 Aug 2022Updated 11:37, 22 Aug 2022

Cameron Archer will be given another chance to impress for Aston Villa against Brisbane Roar this week(Image: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

West Bromwich Albion have received a huge boost in their search for a striker this summer after Aston Villa re-opened the door for a potential exit for Cameron Archer.

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Archer, 20, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Preston North End last season which saw him score seven goals across 20 appearances for Ryan Lowe's side in the Championship. His form in front of goal captured the attention of a number of clubs throughout the second division, including Steve Bruce's Albion who joined the growing list of teams eager to take the England U21 international on loan for the year.

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However, Villa boss Steven Gerrard had different plans for the player after the young striker impressed throughout the pre-season tour of Australia. Speaking on the matter at the beginning of August, Gerrard said: “We’ve made a decision with Cameron Archer that he’ll be staying in the door. He will be part of the first-team group and needs to be ready when called upon to contribute to the team.”

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A move to the Baggies therefore appeared unlikely and Bruce's search for a striker following an injury to Daryl Dyke continued, but they have since received a major boost in their pursuit of Archer after the possibility of a loan move away from Villa Park re-emerged for the forward.

Speaking after Villa's 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Gerrard commented on a potential exit for Archer and said: "He's doing very well. I'm talking really close to him at the moment about certain situations. I maybe could have put him on the pitch [vs Crystal Palace]. But we'll do the right thing for Cameron in the short term.

"The window's still open. He's very much a part of what we're trying to do here. He's a massive talent and we love the kid but we'll do the right thing by him in the coming days."

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Gerrard was then asked if Archer is pushing to be involved Villa's Carabao Cup second round game against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, Gerrard added: "Very much so... But there's also a chance that he might not be involved at all so I'll leave you with that one!"

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