Sheffield United Transfers: Cameron Archer permanent decision looms amid loan talk

Sheffield United and Luton Town are among the two clubs most keen on signing Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer this summer.

Archer is believed to be one of the names on the list for Paul Heckingbottom as he looks to try and replace the goals lost from the sale of Iliman Ndiaye.

United have moved quickly to replace Sander Berge by signing Vinicious Souza and Gustavo Hamer. However, more attacking options are now needed.

With Chuba Akpom on his way to Ajax, United are now believed to be turning their attentions towards Archer, who partnered Akpom at Middlesbrough last season.

According to Sky Sports, the Blades and Luton want to sign Archer. Crucially, though, Luton feel they can only take him on loan.

That could leave the path clear for United to make a permanent move and spend the Ndiaye money.

Archer was thought to be keen on joining United back in January before moving to Boro. However, finances played a part in that move not going through.

Now though, armed with funds from the sale of Ndiaye and Premier League money, the Blades will feel more confident of getting a deal over the line.

Villa are believed to want a buy-back clause inserted in any sale as part of a new strategy for their young players.

Sheffield United News View: Before Friday would be ideal, thanks

We cannot go into the game with Nottingham Forest on Friday without a new player in the squad. We just can’t.

Sure, we will likely include Souza and Hamer in the XI and Oli McBurnie is thought to be close to a return.

However, the attacking output on Saturday v Palace was pretty poor and it’s harsh to rely on young Will Osula and Benie Traore to simply blow Premier League teams away.

Signing Archer would be ideal. A young, hungry forward who is highly-rated by a big Premier League club.

The time to act is now for this United board and they’d get a big thumbs up if they can indeed get Archer done.