An update has emerged on Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer, regarding interest from Sunderland...

What's the talk?

talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has claimed that the Black Cats are one of a number of clubs vying for the youngster's signature this month.

He Tweeted: "Lots of EFL interest in #AVFC striker Cameron Archer including from #Pompey and #SAFC."

Get it done

Lee Johnson must work hard to ensure that he is able to secure a deal to sign the striker in the coming weeks as he could be an excellent addition to the squad.

He has an impressive record at youth level and has been a standout in the EFL Cup for Villa in their first team this season. Archer has scored four goals in two League Cup outings and has been rewarded for his fine form with three appearances in the Premier League this term.

The 20-year-old has produced 16 goals and seven assists in 35 games for Villa's U23 side and has been called up by England at U20 level. This shows why he was handed a chance in the first team this year, with the attacker grasping his chance with both hands in the cup.

Ashley Preece has been quoted as calling Archer "sensational" and hailed his finishing, saying: "Villa need to get his contract sorted now. His development since the summer has been staggering. The boy's some finisher."

This shows that he has the potential to improve as he has been showcasing his growth at Villa in recent months. Johnson could work with him on the training pitch to aid his progress to turn him into a top player for the Black Cats.

Therefore, the £450k-rated beast could be a superb signing for the Black Cats. He is untested at League One level, but he has now experienced Premier League football and shown that he can score in the League Cup - suggesting that he has a good chance of being able to find the back of the net in the third tier.

This means that he could come in and add an extra goal threat to Johnson's side heading into the second half of the campaign. He could improve Sunderland's chances of fighting their way out of League One and back up to the Championship by joining on loan and providing a few goals to help out alongside the likes of Nathan Broadhead and Ross Stewart at the top end of the pitch.

AND in other news, Johnson could seal masterclass in SAFC deal for 10 G/A predator who "guarantees goals"...