THE capture of Cameron Archer is not only a huge early boost for Middlesbrough in the January transfer window but also a major blow for plenty of their rivals, for the Aston Villa forward was one of the most in-demand players in the second tier this month.

Archer has been closely monitored by several Championship clubs since returning to Villa in the summer having dazzled for Preston in the second half of last season. He's impressed on the international stage as well, scoring four in four games for England's Under-21s.

North End were desperate to re-sign Archer in the summer but faced plenty of competition. Boro were one of the many Championship clubs who were kept informed of Villa's intentions, with Rangers also keen on taking the 21-year-old to Scotland.

READ MORE: Early transfer breakthrough for Middlesbrough as Aston Villa's Cameron Archer signs

But Villa had their own plans for the young forward and evidence of their faith in the attacker was provided in the form of a new five-year contract in August, with then boss Steven Gerrard urging Archer to force his way into his first team.

“You’ve got players like Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and he (Gerrard) wants to keep me around to fight for a place in the squad.," said Archer at the start of the season.

Come October, with Archer having played just nine Premier League minutes, there was growing clamour from Villa fans for the youngster to be given more opportunities at a time when the side were struggling, with constant questions about the forward clearly irking Gerrard.

He responded to one reporter: "Is he chomping at the bit? 100 per cent. You're a fan of Cameron, you, aren't ya? Or are you a mate of the family? Something's going on because you've asked me 25 questions this year and I reckon 19 have been on Cam Archer. You're a fan aren't ya?"

Being wanted by plenty of clubs is nothing new to Archer. Indeed, that's been the case since he first started playing the game. Archer was introduced to football by two older brothers, playing in his back garden.

“When Cameron got to an age where he could kick the ball, he started to join us and quickly learned how to keep it by using his body," his older brother Jordan, who plays for Southport in the National League North, told the Lancashire Post.

“When he was about four or five he could strike the ball into the back of the small nets we had using both his left and his right foot. I always remember that.

“We knew he was going to be a player, because when he actually started, he could run in and out of other players. We had scouts coming from everywhere. It was a joke how good a player he was.

“Manchester United used to pick him up in a taxi from our house in Birmingham and take him there for sessions, but in the end he chose Villa and it has gone well for him."

His first loan spell was with Solihull Moors before last season's stint with Preston when he really caught the eye and attracted much praise.

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent," said North End boss Ryan Lowe last season.

“His quality levels are fantastic , he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too."

Lowe had long pestered his friend Steven Gerrard to let him have Archer and when he finally got his man he was as impressed by the forward off the pitch as he was on it, as EFL pundit Clinton Morrison explained.

“He excites me, he excites me massively,” said Morrison of Archer last season.

“I had a phone call with Ryan Lowe and he’s been telling me he’s been trying to get him for ages from Steven Gerrard, eventually Gerrard let him go.

“I think it’s been a brilliant signing for Preston. One thing I do like, when I was speaking to their coaching staff, he still comes in after training and cleans his own boots – what a brilliant professional he is!"

No surprise, then, that Lowe was desperate to take Archer back to Deepdale this month.

"Everyone knows he's our number one choice if he becomes available," said the Preston boss last month.

"I've got to respect Unai Emery, with what he wants to do with Cam and the football club. Until then, we cannot disclose anything because he's not our player. We won't be the only club interested.

"He's a fantastic talent and that's why he was well loved here. The most important thing for any young lad is to be playing football. It'd be unfair of me to keep talking about him, but if and when he becomes available then we'll act."

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Preston did indeed act and matched Boro's offer, but Archer was excited by the progress on Teesside, the opportunity to play for Michaal Carrick and to again link-up with Aaron Danks, who he knows well from their time together at Villa.

Preston boss Lowe said: "I will wish him all the best, just not against us."

North End and plenty of other Championship clubs who know what Archer is capable of won't be relishing the challenge of playing against Boro's new No.10 in the second half of the season.