Former Preston North End loan hero Cameron Archer is now being valued at a huge £20million by Aston Villa.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that Middlesbrough now want to buy Archer.
PNE fans could probably see this coming.
Archer joined North End on loan from Villa back in the January window of 2022.
Whilst highly-rated at Villa, Archer’s only loan experience before PNE was with non-league side Solihull Moors.
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Archer defied any doubts though as he become a North End fan favourite.
Seven goals in 20 games for PNE – including a winner against Blackpool – saw Archer excel at Deepdale.
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Fans were desperate for Archer to return last summer but it wasn’t possible, and he ended up picking Middlesbrough in January.
North End supporters know all too well now – don’t fall in love with loan players. You always get your heart broken.
Boro fans are now in the same position; Archer has hit 10 goals and six assists for Boro in just 18 Championship games.
The 21-year-old is just absolute dynamite in front of goal and Boro absolutely love him.
That’s why Michael Carrick’s men now want a permanent deal, but Villa are allegedly demanding a huge £20million deal.
Villa are surely minded to keep hold of Archer and use him alongside Jhon Duran in supporting Ollie Watkins in their attacking ranks.
Yet if Boro come up with an offer of £20million, Archer could yet be allowed to depart Villa Park permanently.
That’s a price PNE couldn’t even dream of getting close to, and a fee Boro could surely only pay if they win promotion.
Archer was always going onto bigger and better things after PNE and many fans probably expected this kind of valuation in his future.