Three key reasons emerge behind Aston Villa forward’s decision to pick Middlesbrough over Preston North End | OneFootball

Middlesbrough loanee Cameron Archer picked the Teesside outfit over other sides because of the club’s progress, the opportunity to ply his trade for Michael Carrick and the chance to work with ex-Aston Villa coach Aaron Danks again, according to the Northern Echo.

The 21-year-old was reportedly tracked by several Championship teams in recent months, with Watford and Sunderland just two other teams who were thought to be interested in taking him away from Villa Park temporarily.

The Black Cats are in real need of recruiting at least one striker during this January transfer window with Ellis Simms being recalled by Everton and Ross Stewart being linked with an exit from the Stadium of Light.

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However, it looked as though Boro and former loan side Preston North End were the two front runners to secure his signature, with the latter matching all offers to ensure they would be an option for Archer to pick from.

Enjoying a successful time at Deepdale during the second half of last term, recording seven goals in 20 league appearances, many people wouldn’t have been surprised if he had chosen to rejoin the Lancashire side.

However, Carrick and Danks proved to be key figures in luring him to the Riverside Stadium, with the club’s form also seeming to play a part.

The Verdict:

You can’t blame Archer for picking Boro over other sides because they are in a strong position at this stage and have all of the ingredients needed to push for promotion this term.

Although he will be confident of starting regularly, there’s no shortage of competition for a starting spot either and this should only help to maximise his performance levels, another factor that may have persuaded him to head to Teesside.

Carrick is only in the early stages of his managerial career and with this, you feel he will only get better, so that’s a promising sign for the 21-year-old who will be keen to compete at the right end of the division with his current loan team.

A return to Deepdale would have been the easy option for the Villa man and in fairness, it wouldn’t have taken him long to adapt to life back in Lancashire, one reason why a move to Preston may have been good.

But he could benefit even more with a new side – and there are no shortage of creators who can provide him with a decent amount of service. Ryan Giles and Isaiah Jones should be able to whip in decent crosses.