SAINTS are working on a permanent deal to bring Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer to St Mary's, the Daily Echo understands.

Archer, 22, spent last season at relegated Sheffield United - where he scored four goals in 29 Premier League appearances.

The Villa academy graduate impressed in loan spells at Preston North End and Middlesbrough - hitting 18 strikes in 40 Championship games.

Saints have been keen to add to their attacking ranks with number nine Archer set to join permanently if a total agreement can be reached.

They are expected to pay around £15million for the striker, who has already made 105 league appearances in his career across the English pyramid.

Walsall-born Archer has scored six goals in 11 matches for England's under-21s, including two in the 2023 European Championships victory.

Archer made a permanent move to Sheffield United in 2023 for £20million before being bought back by Villa for £16million this summer due to a release clause.

The club are also looking to add Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, 20, on loan for the duration of the 2024/25 season - with talks continuing.