Mail Online journalist Tom Collomosse has dropped a ‘big’ Sunderland transfer update involving summer target Cameron Archer.

The Lowdown: Archer attracting interest

The 20-year-old currently plays his football at Aston Villa, although he spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan with Championship club Preston North End in a bid to further his development and gain some much-needed regular game-time.

The talented youngster hugely impressed during his spell at Deepdale, making eight goal contributions in just 20 league appearances and being hailed as a "bullish" presence up front by Lilywhites manager Ryan Lowe.

Such form has seen him attract interest from multiple clubs in the second tier who want to take him for the upcoming campaign, including Watford, West Brom and the Black Cats.

The Latest: Collomosse drops Archer update

Taking to Twitter, Collomosse shared a fresh update on Archer’s situation and revealed that the young s striker is currently set to join Villa on their pre-season tour.

The reliable reporter wrote: “Villa/Cameron Archer: lots of loan interest (also Watford/Sunderland) but as it stands would expect him to go on tour to Oz. One thing that could change that is v big offer to sign him permanently - but who would have the cash?”

The Verdict: Get it done

As Alex Neil now prepares his squad for life back in the second tier, the Sunderland boss will surely want to bolster his ranks with as many new signings as possible if he is to give this team the best chance of being able to seriously compete with the Championship's big boys next season.

Archer will be a hard deal to get over the line given that Preston also want to get him back, not to mention the number of other clubs going after him.

However, having scored six goals and provided two assists in just four EFL Trophy outings last term (via Transfermarkt), it’s obvious to see why the Black Cats would target him.

If the opportunity did arise at the right price, then this is a move that Sunderland should be all over as they get ready for an exciting new challenge ahead.

In other news… Sunderland could now be set to receive a surprising financial windfall.