Luke Hatfield reckons that Aston Villa need to act quickly and get Cameron Archer's future sorted as soon as possible.

The 19-year-old, who's out of contract next summer, has started the season by scoring a bagful of goals for both the first-team and Under-23s.

What's the latest news with Archer?

When the season got underway, Villa probably didn't even envisage that they'd be having these type of conversations with the teenager.

But following his rapid rise from a Non-League loanee to a first-team regular, Villa will be waiting anxiously until Archer commits his future to the club.

According to Football Insider, Villa have offered the striker an improved deal to prevent him from making a January exit.

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ENTER GIVEAWAY

However, as of now, Archer is set to become a free agent in 2022 and can therefore leave for nothing next summer, although that's an extremely unlikely situation given his importance to Villa right now and in the future.

Preece revealed that Archer has previously been in talks with Villa over a new contract, but no deal has yet been agreed.

Therefore, the Aston Villa journalist has urged Dean Smith's side to move fast and get the exciting frontman tied down.

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What did Preece say?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think a new deal is in the offing and it's got to happen. Dean Smith said after the Barrow hat-trick that he will assess his situation in January, but I think Villa could be forced into making a move quicker than that."

Why do Villa want to keep Archer?

Goalscorers are incredibly hard to find and when one does come your way, letting them go simply isn't an option.

Archer has been in outstanding form for Villa this season, scoring four goals in four first-team games, including a hat-trick against Barrow and an equaliser against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old struck a hat-trick against Burton in the EFL Trophy has already scored eight goals and in just six appearances across all age groups this season.

Villa do have both Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings on their books currently, but they need to build for the future and keeping Archer would be a huge step in the right direction.