Transfer news and rumours: Archer's exit, Mendez to Villa, Miguel to Forest

The 22-year-old has returned to Villa Park after signing on a permanent deal for Sheffield United during the summer window of 2023, ahead of a tough campaign for the Yorkshire club.

Sheffield United finished rock bottom of the Premier League and suffered an immediate return to the Championship, triggering the buy-back clause in the agreement between United and Villa.

Chris Wilder's side forked up £18m for the services of Archer last year and are believed to have recouped £14m of that fee due to the attacker's return to the West Midlands.

According to Football Insider, the former Preston North End loanee will not be given the chance to get his feet under the table at Villa Park by Unai Emery as his side prepare for Champions League football.

It is understood that the Villans are willing to accept offers for Archer, who is not perceived to be critical to first-team plans at the Second City club.

A permanent move away for the attacker would also help Villa in their bid to avoid a breach of Profit and Sustainability rules, as they reportedly need to raise £60m from player sales this summer.

Brais Mendez to Villa?

From one player departing Villa Park to one who could be checking in, Brais Mendez may become the latest of Emery's La Liga recruits in the West Midlands.

The 27-year-old has been a stalwart in the Spanish top flight for the past eight years and enjoyed a productive term for Real Sociedad during 2023-24.

Mendez featured in 32 league matches, scoring five goals and providing six assists, with the ability to play centrally or as a wide attacker.

The former Celta Vigo star could join compatriots Alex Moreno and Pau Torres in the Second City, with The Express reporting that Villa have made an enquiry to Sociedad for one of their star players.

With Mendez's current terms expiring during the summer of 2028, the Spanish club are in no danger of losing the player for cheap during this window.

However, it is understood that Sociedad would not stand in the way of a dream move for the midfielder and a chance to compete in the Champions League.

As well as the Villans, Manchester United, Roma and Juventus are also keen on securing the services of Mendez, who is certainly not short of admirers from across the continent.

Carlos Miguel 'passes' Nottingham Forest medical

Moving across the Midlands, Nottingham Forest are said to be further down the line in their quest for a second signing of the summer window.

Football Insider are claiming that the Tricky Trees have secured the services of Corinthians goalkeeper Carlos Miguel in a deal worth £3.4m.

The 25-year-old has supposedly passed a medical at Forest and will be announced as a Premier League player imminently, with the Brazilian set to challenge Matt Turner and Matz Sels for the number-one spot.

Forest struggled defensively during the 2023-24 term, conceding 67 goals in 38 top-flight matches, a record that can only better that of Luton Town (85), Burnley (78) and Sheffield United (104).

Miguel has missed recent matches for Corinthians due to an ankle knock but is fully expected to be fit for the start of Forest's pre-season schedule.