Middlesbrough have made their interest clear to Aston Villa in re-signing forward Cameron Archer on loan next season, according to the latest reports. The Villa loanee played a huge part in helping Michael Carrick's side in their promotion push with 11 goals and six assists in 22 appearances.

Alan Nixon, via his Patreon account, claims Boro have already made contact with Unai Emery's side in an attempt to lure Archer back to the Riverside. The 21-year-old has been dubbed one of the best January signings in Boro's recent history and there's hope he could help spearhead a promotion push next season.

Emery knows his side need to bolster their striker options heading into a European campaign next season, but has hinted that Archer could be the answer.

Read more: Jonathan Woodgate's 'crucial' impact as Michael Carrick praises his Middlesbrough return decision

Emery said: “I believe in the players we have now. Always we have to improve and change something, and we did in December.

"Some players who were on loan like [Cameron] Archer, the circumstances is, by playing more he is coming back as a better player and more experienced. That’s the way. We will analyse each [player] situation after Sunday.”

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