By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa can confirm Cameron Archer has joined Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

The striker returned to Villa earlier in the summer from Sheffield United under the terms of the initial transfer agreement with the Blades but will now head to the south coast on a permanent deal.

A graduate of the Academy at Bodymoor Heath, Archer made his senior debut in 2019, before going on to score a hat-trick on his first start against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

He then went on to enjoy loan stints at Preston North End and Middlesbrough in the Championship.

An England Under-21 international, he helped the Three Lions win the Under-21 European Championships in 2023.