Sunderland are set to miss out on transfer target Cameron Archer after Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard confirmed that he will be staying at the club this season.

The Lowdown: Sunderland’s Archer pursuit

The striker spent the second half of last season out on loan at Preston North End in the Championship, and his performances at Deepdale caught the attention of multiple suitors.

The Black Cats have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old for the majority of the window, but were set to face competition from Middlesbrough and the Lilywhites, who were keen on bringing him back.

Following a fresh update though, it sounds as if the Wearside outfit won’t be able to secure their man, this summer at least…

The Latest: Gerrard confirms Archer plans

Speaking to Premier League Productions (as quoted by The Northern Echo), Gerrard revealed that Villa won’t be selling or loaning Archer out in the coming weeks.

"We’ve made a decision with Cameron Archer that he’ll be staying in the door. He will be part of the first team group and needs to be ready when called upon to contribute to the team."

The Verdict: Blow for Neil

Sunderland have Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms as attacking options in the final third, alongside Jack Clarke who can also play up top, but Alex Neil will be keen to bolster his ranks even further.

After the 1-1 opening day draw against Coventry City last weekend, the boss insisted that he wanted to make at least ‘four or five’ new signings before the window closes to create plenty of squad depth.

The Black Cats have already missed out on Troy Parrott from Tottenham Hotspur and have now suffered the additional blow of failing to secure Archer, labelled a ‘bullish’ player by Preston manager Ryan Lowe, meaning that the search for their perfect bagsman continues.