West Brom have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer recently and the Englishman could be a superb addition to Steve Bruce's side ahead of next season.

What's the word?

According to Birmingham Live, Archer is on the Baggies' list of striker targets this summer as they look to improve on last season's disappointing Championship campaign, although there is no guarantee that Steven Gerrard will allow the forward to leave Villa Park.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the 20-year-old however, with Preston North End naturally interested in taking him back on loan again after his impressive form last season, while Rangers have also been credited with an interest by Birmingham Live.

Bruce would love him

The report from Birmingham Live suggests that Bruce is keen to add attacking reinforcements this summer to support Daryl Dike and Karlan Grant, with Andy Carroll having departed and Kenneth Zohore having struggled for consistency during his time at the Hawthorns.

Last season saw Archer hit seven goals in 20 appearances for Preston North End, while he has also prospered during the off-season, hitting four goals in his first four appearances for England U21s.

His performances last season earned him the praise of Preston boss Ryan Lowe, who said:

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too."

Other than Grant, West Brom struggled for any real consistent goalscorers last season and if they have aspirations of getting back into the Premier League next season, then a clinical finisher such as Archer could be exactly what Bruce needs.

A move for the £5.4m-rated forward would certainly make geographical sense and if he can continue his recent form into next season, then there seems little to suggest that he wouldn't be a big success at the Hawthorns.

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