Leeds United to battle Sunderland for Premier League star amid 'bid' claim

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Leeds United have reportedly opened talks with Southampton for Cameron Archer despite seeing an initial approach knocked back. As we head into the final days of the winter transfer window, the club are monitoring Archer's situation - having held an interest in him for a number of windows.

While the Whites decide on whether to launch a bid before deadline day on Monday, Championship rivals Sunderland are looking to get ahead of the competition. TBR Football report the Black Cats are 'ready' to make a bid for Archer but it's noted that Leeds are in 'pole position'.

As per the report, the Saints would 'allow' Archer to leave on loan this month but will demand an obligation to buy in the summer if they achieve promotion to the Premier League. However, club sources have insisted that the Whites will only make a move for a player if they believe they will improve Daniel Farke's team in their push for promotion and will not add numbers to the squad for the sake of it.

Archer joined Southampton in a £15m deal from Aston Villa last summer. The 23-year-old penned a four-year deal with the south coast side.

The former Villa man has been in and out of Southampton's starting XI this season, scoring five goals in 25 outings across all competitions. He has scored just twice in 10 starts in the Premier League as the Saints remain rock-bottom and are 11 points away from safety.

Despite his struggles this term, Archer has proved himself at Championship level following previous spells with Preston North End and Middlesbrough. He was a key figure for Boro when they qualified for the play-offs in 2023.

The report also notes that Leeds have shown an interest in Middlesbrough's Emmanuel Latte Lath, who is thought to be keen on a move to Elland Road. Head coach Michael Carrick has not ruled out the possibility of him leaving the club before deadline day on February 3.

"You never know what’s out there and what’s going to come - who’s going to offer what. That’s not just about Manu, that’s any player," he said. "It’s a transfer window and anyone can offer what they want. So for me to sit here and say I’m confident or I’m not confident [in keeping him], it doesn’t really matter or affect it, because we’ve no idea what might come."

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