Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has revealed a decision will be made in the next week over whether to send Derby County, Preston North End, and Sunderland target Cameron Archer. 

The 20-year-old centre-forward is a player in demand as we head toward the end of the January transfer window with a string of EFL clubs reportedly interested in taking him on loan, including Derby and the Black Cats.

Preston have emerged as frontrunners in recent days and, according to Lancs Live, Archer is keen on joining the Deepdale outfit and wants to leave on loan this month.

It is understood that Gerrard is concerned about his squad depth at Villa Park and, speaking to Birmingham Live, he has hinted at when a decision is likely to be made.

He said: "You've asked me about Cam, a player with huge potential. We're well aware of Cam's situation. We're analysing that situation as the days go by.

"I'll be respectful and fair to Cam, I know he wants game time. He's scoring every time he plays for the under-23s so we know he needs a bigger challenge.

"He's learning a lot around Danny and Ollie and the first-team and staff.

"He's been close to getting on the pitch for us in the previous games and we'll make a decision in the coming days, maybe a week in terms of what we do with Cam, whether we keep him in or allow him to go out on loan because he's got a lot of options.

"We're analysing his situation pretty close but he knows what I think of him and what we think of him, a player with huge potential who's got a bright future, but he needs to keep proving himself because he's got a lot of stiff competition in that area."

Archer has been in fantastic form in front of goal this term – scoring goals against EFL opposition already.

The young striker has four times for the senior side in two appearances in the EFL Cup.

The Verdict

It seems as though the clubs in pursuit of Archer are going to have to wait a little longer for a decision to be made but they do at least now have a confirmed timeline from Gerrard.

The 20-year-old looks like a really exciting talent and it's no surprise that so many EFL clubs have shown an interest.

His goal record this term has been remarkable and you can understand why the Villa boss would want to keep him at the club as cover for the first team.

Ultimately, you feel a loan move would likely be better for his development and it seems as though Ryan Lowe's Preston are the frontrunners right now.

An awful lot can change in a few days in the January window, however, particularly this late on.