How likely Rangers are of signing Southampton striker Cameron Archer revealed | OneFootball

The likelihood of Rangers sealing a deal for Southampton striker Cameron Archer on deadline day has been revealed by Alex Crook.

Rangers have learned the likelihood of them landing Cameron Archer on deadline day, with Southampton set to make a decision on the striker today.

Southampton selling Archer when Adam Armstrong is set to join Wolverhampton Wanderers would leave them short and in need of a replacement, but both Archer and Armstrong have been linked with exits.

Archer scored 11 and picked up six assists with Middlesbrough under Michael Carrick, which came shortly after a loan stint with Preston North End where he notched seven and an assist in 20 matches.

However, he has lost his way somewhat with Southampton, scoring twice in 19 second tier games this term — albeit from just 604 minutes of action. A fresh start could be just the tonic for him, but the Saints aren't likely to sanction the exits of two forwards on deadline day.

Cameron Archer set to remain with Southampton amid Rangers interest

Archer was linked with Rangers in recent days, with the Scottish giants keen on a striker before the deadline and having eyed Joel Piroe of Leeds United as well as the 24-year-old Aston Villa academy product.

Moving Archer on could save Southampton a huge chunk on wages, but they would need to find replacements for both Armstrong and Archer before 7.00pm.

Cyle Larin looks likely to be one of those for Southampton, with a deal progressing for the experienced Canadian centre-forward. However, finding another centre-forward may not prove as easy.

Adam Blackmore claims a deal for Archer to head to Ibrox is 'unlikely' now, which is the same message being relayed by talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook.

He claims that Southampton tried for a second forward along with Larin to free him up but that deal now appears to have stalled, which means Archer is likely to remain at St. Mary's on deadline day.

How Southampton can get more out of Cameron Archer

The best form of Archer's career came in a front two at Boro, with Chuba Akpom playing just off the striker under Carrick. Now set to stay, Tonda Eckert has to figure out how to get more out of Archer.

Could Larin and Archer work in tandem? Could Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza, and Tom Fellows behind Archer work as a more fluid front four? They have to unlock more of a player with an excellent goal record in the Championship.

Overall, Archer only has nine Southampton goals in 63 appearances. He also has six in 74 in the Premier League. But 20 goals and seven assists in 59 Championship games is a more than good enough record to fire the Saints into the play-off picture.

Speaking to the Gazette in 2023, Archer revealed what Carrick said to him and exactly how he should be utilised. He said: “At the start, when I first signed, the gaffer told me then that I was a different type of player that he needed — the missing piece of the puzzle.

"His message for us players in that final third is to play with freedom and that was a big reason why I wanted to come here as well, because I wanted to be myself. Ultimately, as a player, you want that freedom to express yourself and show what you’re capable of.”