Sunderland have reportedly joined Leeds United in the race for Southampton striker Cameron Archer.
The Black Cats are targeting a new first-choice forward this month, with Chuba Akpom of Ajax also said to be of interest to the second-tier outfit.
Following Sheffield United's relegation to the Championship last season, Archer secured a move back to Aston Villa, who were unwilling to offer the player first-team opportunities during 2024-25.
The 23-year-old was almost immediately offloaded to Southampton for £15m, with the attacker failing to live up to expectations on the South Coast so far.
The youngster has bagged just two goals across 21 Premier League appearances, currently enduring a six-game dry spell in all competitions for the strugglers.
Unlikely to form part of Thomas Tuchel's first-team thinking for England anytime soon, Archer does possess six goals in 11 appearances for England Under-21s.
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Sunderland, Leeds to fight for Southampton's Archer?
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Southampton man Archer could be set for a move to the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.
The report claims that Sunderland are in the race for the services of the 23-year-old, who impressed in the second tier during spells at Middlesbrough and Preston North End.
It is understood that the Black Cats want to agree an initial loan deal for Archer, with Sunderland obligated to buy the attacker during the summer window.
However, Regis Le Bris's troops face intense competition from elsewhere in the Championship, with Leeds also chasing the signature of the Englishman.
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Sunderland to repeat Le Fee trick?
Representing one of the most exciting transfers in recent Championship history, Sunderland lured Enzo Le Fee to the Stadium of Light from Roma earlier this month.
Although only a loan move at this stage, the Black Cats have an obligation to buy the midfielder should they win promotion to the Premier League.
A similar tactic in the pursuit of Archer could help Sunderland beat promotion rivals Leeds to the signature of the former England youth international.
Carter White
