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.
