Southampton are close to completing the signing of Cameron Archer from Aston Villa.

The two clubs have reached an agreement on a deal worth £15million plus £2m in potential add-ons. The striker will have a medical before finalising his move to St Mary’s.

Archer, 22, returned to Villa this summer after Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship. The striker had joined Sheffield United last summer in a £18.5million move but Villa were obligated to buy him back after the Bramall Lane side were relegated.

Archer scored four goals in 32 appearances for Sheffield United last season, having previously netted 11 times in 23 games on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign. He has also spent time on loan at Preston North End and Solihull Moors.

Southampton are also in advanced talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on loan. That deal will not contain a purchase option with Chelsea viewing the 20-year-old as part of their long-term plans.

Southampton side have already secured the signings of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, Ben Brereton Diaz, Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards, Adam Lallana, Wellington, Charlie Taylor and Yukinari Sugawara.

Villa begin their season at West Ham United on Saturday while Southampton travel to Newcastle United earlier in the day.