Leeds United target prolific £20m Aston Villa striker but face stiff Premier League competition for his signature

Leeds United have joined the race to sign a £20m-rated forward as Daniel Farke looks to add to his attacking options before the end of the transfer window.

It’s fair to say that Leeds have had to endure a bumpy transfer window up until this point, with several stars heading out on loan for the season.

Tyler Adams looks to be the latest star heading for the exit door as Bournemouth had a bid of around £24m accepted for the 24-year-old.

Looking at the attacking options Farke currently has at his disposal, it is obvious to see that they are in need of a boost in this area.

There’s still doubt over Wilfried Gnonto’s long-term future and Patrick Bamford has missed the start of the new campaign through injury.

According to Football Insider, Leeds have now set their sights on Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer who could be made available this summer.

The same report claims that Aston Villa value the 21-year-old around the £20m mark and Sheffield United have already been turned away with a bid of £10m.

Leeds would certainly have to stump up a serious amount of cash to get this deal in motion, but Archer could be a season-defining signing for Farke’s side.

The German coach has an excellent track record with developing strikers and Archer would be a natural fit into his system.

The 21-year-old is under contract at Villa Park until 2027, but by all accounts, the Premier League club are willing to listen to offers this summer.

Archer is the signing Leeds need

Compared to Leicester City and Southampton, Leeds have had a fairly unremarkable start to life in the Championship so far, but it is still early days.

Farke is known for starting the season fairly slow as his sides tend to kick into gear a few months into the campaign.

As the likes of Gnonto, Helder Costa and Luis Sinisterra could all still leave this summer, it is crucial that they sign a forward or two before the window shuts.

Archer would tick plenty of boxes for what Leeds are looking for right now. The forward quickly became a fan favourite at Preston North End and Middlesbrough after two successful loan spells in the Championship.

He played a crucial role in Michael Carrick’s side reaching the play-offs last season as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in the second half of the season.

For Middlesborough in the Championship, Archer averaged a goal every 141 minutes. Averaged over an entire campaign and that would see him return a whopping 29 goals.

Given his excellent track record at this level, it’s no wonder that so many sides are interested. Middlesborough have been linked with re-signing the forward and Sheffield United remain in the race.

Leeds therefore would have to fend off plenty of interest to get him through the door at Elland Road, but Archer is a striker worth going all out for.

READ MORE: Sources: Leeds United identify Norwich City star as Tyler Adams replacement, with Farke seeking Kenny McLean reunion