Sunderland are said to be battling it out with a number of fellow Championship clubs for the services of young Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a strong loan spell with Preston North End last season, finding the net seven times in 20 appearances. The England Under 21 international has also scored four times for Lee Carlsey's side this month, during their European Championship qualifying ties with Albania, Kosovo and Slovenia.
According to a recent report from the Northern Echo, Middlesborough and West Brom have also made their interest in the player known, with Steven Gerrard's intention for the player heading into next season relatively unknown.
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The Black Cats are hopeful of keeping hold of fellow forward Ross Stewart heading into the summer months, with Rangers said to be sniffing around the 25-year-old at present.
With Sunderland manager Alex Neil seemingly preferring a one striker set-up last season, Archer's arrival could bring strong competition for Scotland international Stewart who is of course unproven at this level at present.
Archer started training with Aston Villa at the age of eight after a spell with league side Walsall, and has since progressed through the ranks with the Premier League outfit.
Capable of playing either down the centre or from the left, the youngster loves to use his pace to his advantage when isolating defenders in 1v1 situations.
