Leeds United may miss out on Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer transfer

Leeds United could be priced out of a move for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer, after Villa named their price at £20million for the academy product, according to Alan Nixon.

The Sun journalist shared via his Patreon that Sheffield United had been interested in Archer, but Aston Villa's demands of a £20million fee with a £50million buy-back clause has put the complicated deal in trouble.

Leeds had been linked with a move for Archer [Football Insider, 19 August] after his impressive Championship loan spell with Middlesbrough last season, but it looks likely they will be unable to match such a high fee.

Leeds are desperate to bring a striker to Elland Road this season, particularly with Patrick Bamford's injury picked up in pre-season ruling him out of the opening stages, while the depth up front is simply not there for Daniel Farke to call upon.

Archer spent the second half of last season with Middlesbrough, where he scored 11 goals and bagged six assists in just 20 appearances, setting the league alight as the Teeside club pushed for promotion under Michael Carrick's guidance.

Leeds must now move on to other targets as it has become clear Archer is out of their reach, much like the situation with Swansea striker Joel Piroe, whose price tag was also expected to be too high for Leeds.

It was reported that Leeds' owners would be willing to spend as much money as necessary to improve the squad if key players were to leave in the latter stages of the window. Following Tyler Adams' move to Bournemouth, they are now armed with a £23million war chest for further investment.

In other Leeds United news, yet another twist has emerged in the Willy Gnonto saga.