Sheffield United have reportedly agreed a fee for Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that last season's Championship runners-up have one of the lowest budgets in the Premier League.
At one point, reports indicated that the Blades may have as little as £20m to strengthen their squad ahead of attempting to remain in the top flight.
However, helped by the sales of Sander Berge and Iliman Ndiaye, boss Paul Heckingbottom has been able to make as many as seven additions - just two of which have been loans or free transfers.
Nevertheless, after successive defeats to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, games in which Sheffield United scored just one goal, it has become clear that the arrival of a new forward is imperative.
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The Yorkshire giants have been linked with a number of players of varying asking prices, yet it appears that they are ready to push through with one of the most expensive deals in their history.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sheffield United have agreed a deal with Villa for Archer to make the permanent switch to Bramall Lane.
Romano claims that Villa are ready to part ways with their academy graduate for a fee in the region of £18m, with the England Under-21 international now expected to undergo a medical.
As was the case with Aaron Ramsey's move to Burnley earlier this week, Villa will possess a buy-back clause, with the sale of another of their prospects giving Unai Emery the funds to find replacements for the injured Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia.
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Archer is in line to leave Villa having contributed four goals from 14 first-team appearances, each of those strikes coming in the 2021-22 EFL Cup.
That said, his reputation has been enhanced through his performances during loan stints with Preston North End and Middlesbrough in the Championship.
A total of 18 goals and seven assists have come from 40 outings in the second tier, yet it has not been enough to convince Emery that his future is at his boyhood club.
His stock has further risen by his displays for England Under-21s, Archer scoring twice at the recent European Championship to take his tally to six goals from 11 caps.
Darren Plant
