"Get out the chequebook"- Sunderland AFC sent clear transfer message over Cameron Archer amid Leeds interest | OneFootball

FLW's Sunderland fan pundit discussed the club's reported transfer interest in Cameron Archer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland have been urged to edge ahead of Leeds United to complete a loan deal for Southampton striker Cameron Archer, in what could reshape the complexion of the Championship promotion race.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman sent a clear statement of intent with the ambitious loan signing of Roma midfielder Enzo Le Fee, who arrived on Wearside earlier this month in a deal which the Black Cats are obligated to make permanent in the summer should they achieve promotion to the Premier League.

The Frenchman's arrival turned heads and offered a timely reminder of Sunderland's pulling power, which they will be looking to utilise once again in the coming days as they bid to get a deal over the line for Archer ahead of promotion rivals Leeds.

A direct competitor for both Premier League football and Archer's signature, Leeds are just five points ahead of Sunderland, who are among those looking to knock the league leaders off their perch.

Sunderland join Leeds United in transfer race for Southampton's Cameron Archer

The Black Cats are now the latest second-tier side to be linked with a late move for Archer, after reports on Thursday revealed Leeds had seen an initial loan offer rebuffed by Southampton.

Sunderland are reportedly open to striking a loan-to-buy deal for the 22-year-old, who set Southampton back £15 million just last summer - meaning any potential obligatory agreement would likely be in excess of eight figures.

Journalist Graeme Bailey corroborated the Black Cats' interest to Sunderland AFC News on Thursday afternoon. Bailey is quoted as saying: "We know that they looked at Chuba Akpom but that is not an easy deal with other clubs keen. Now another former Middlesbrough man is in their thoughts with Southampton’s Cameron Archer being a player they like.

"We’re told Sunderland would be willing to do a loan with an obligation, but Leeds are in for him and that makes things difficult for Sunderland – they are tempting club for any player. Sunderland though are still trying."

Archer is the latest name of a long list of strikers to have been linked with a move to Sunderland this month, though the promotion hopefuls are now reportedly set to submit a bid for St. Gallen forward Willem Geubbels in a shock twist.

That, of course, could have something to say about their pursuit of Archer, a player many supporters would undoubtedly like to see back in the North East given his Championship credentials and previous exploits with local rivals Middlesbrough.

Archer has endured a challenging campaign with top-flight strugglers Southampton this season but has previously been extremely prolific at this level on loan at both Preston North End and Boro, meaning he could be a game-changing signing for Sunderland's promotion ambitions if they can get the move over the line ahead of Leeds.

Sunderland AFC urged to beat Leeds United to Southampton's Cameron Archer

FLW asked our Black Cats fan pundit, Jordan Newcombe, for his thoughts on the links to Archer. Jordan has urged the club to complete a deal for Archer, who he believes could ensure promotion for Le Bris' side - while a move to Leeds would essentially "hand" the title to the West Yorkshire outfit.

"Now Cameron Archer, where do I start?" Jordan told FLW.

"Archer is a proven goalscorer and for once, looking at these whole loan-to-buy deals, this is one I would 100 per cent look to activate.

"I know we're in the race for Akpom and it's looking like we're still in the race, but if we can get Archer on loan it would be brilliant.

"I don't know how much we're willing to spend for him. I know he was bought for £15 million and he's proved himself, I do think he is one of those players who can provide both goals and service for (Eliezer) Mayenda or Wilson Isidor.

"So for once, looking at all the transfer rumours we've had with a loan with an obligation to buy, we should pick this one up if we can because he is a proven goalscorer, he can score goals and he's great at this level, the same as Akpom.

"If Sunderland have the chance to go ahead and actually do it, go for it. We can't allow Leeds to have a player like this, otherwise you may as well give them the title now.

"What I would say to Sunderland now is get out the chequebook, get the loan deal sorted, get him in and we'll go up in the second-half of the season. This is a player we could be missing out on, and definitely need to bring in as soon as possible."