By Kevin Phillips

2nd May, 2022 | 8:24am

Aston Villa news: Expert issues verdict on permanent Cameron Archer transfer after update

Kevin Phillips has backed Aston Villa starlet Cameron Archer to seal another Championship loan next season amid interest from Norwich.

The former Claret and Blue striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed another spell in the second tier would be best for the 20-year-old’s development.

According to TEAMtalk (28 April), former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is interested in reuniting with Archer and Jaden Phiolgene-Bidace after suffering relegation to the Championship with Norwich City.

The report claims manager Steven Gerrard won’t be rushed into a move as he wants to watch the young striker in pre-season before making a decision on his future.

Archer has scored seven in 19 since joining Preston on loan during the January window.

He netted four in six Villa outings in the first half of this season.

When asked whether Archer could be sold permanently this summer, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I would think he would go on loan again.

“Norwich are back in the Championship again next season.

“He’s done so well at Preston, and that would give him another opportunity to do well at a club where the manager knows him – and they like to play attractive football.”

“It’s another learning curve for his development.

“He could turn out to be a really important player and asset for Aston Villa – they clearly like him.

“He’d only be in and around the first-team next season, so for his development – it’s best for him to have another spell at the top of the Championship.

“That way, he’s well-equipped to come back to the club and play well in the Premier League – or he can be an asset in the transfer market.”

In other news, pundit drops verdict on Aston Villa transfer U-turn after £33m Phillippe Coutinho reveal.