UNAI Emery says Cameron Archer's need to build on the momentum of his Middlesbrough loan spell and play regularly is why Aston Villa will allow the striker to leave for Sheffield United.

Archer, who enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Boro in the second half of last season, is close to securing a permanent transfer to Bramall Lane, with the Blades having reportedly agreed an £18m fee with Villa.

Earlier this summer, Emery suggested he was keen to keep Archer at Villa Park as he looks to ensure he has the squad depth to cope with a European campaign, but the Spaniard now says Archer needs to play regularly - something he couldn't promise at Villa.

Villa will reportedly have a buy-back clause, which was also said to be the case in the deal that took fellow ex-Boro loanee Aaron Ramsey to Burnley.

Emery told BirminghamLive: "I spoke with Cameron Archer at the beginning of pre-season, and like every player, he needs to play and to progress. He did very good work last year in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

"Now he has the opportunity to leave, I don’t know if it’s 100% official, but if he leaves it is good for him and good for the club because we can take money from the transfer.

"Then, we are trying to get under control of the possibilities because we believe in him and I think we are close in the deal with those circumstances like we want."

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Archer scored 11 goals and added six assists during his spell at the Riverside last season. Had Boro won promotion, they'd have almost certainly tried to keep the striker, but after missing out, a return to Teesside was always incredibly unlikely this season given the top flight interest. Crystal Palace and Luton were also keen on Archer.

Archer is set to follow Ramsey through the exit door at Villa, with the young winger - who also impressed at Boro - signing a five-year deal with Burnley earlier this week.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I have been waiting to be a Burnley player for a while now and I’m really happy it’s all officially done now. I can’t wait to get started.

“I can’t wipe my smile off my face. When you come to a new club you want the lads to welcome you in and everyone here has done that straight away. It’s been really easy to settle, everyone has been amazing.”