Aston Villa have an 'obligation' to buy-back striker Cameron Archer from Sheffield United if his current club are relegated from the Premier League this season, as per a report by The Star.
The attacker was sold to the Blades last summer following their promotion from the Championship.
Archer, 22, has since scored four goals in 24 games in all competitions for the South Yorkshire outfit.
In this clarification of his current situation, The Star report that Aston Villa will have to bring him back to Villa Park in the next transfer window if Chris Wilder's side do go down to the second tier again. They are currently bottom of the table and are inside the drop zone with Burnley and Luton Town.
Tricky year for Sheffield United
Sheffield United have endured a very tough campaign and have won only three times. They are 10 points from safety with eight matches left to play.
It seems very likely they will be dropping back into the Football League which means Archer will be heading back to his previous club. If the Blades do manage to pull off the great escape and survive, Unai Emery's side still have an option to purchase him back anyway at a pre-agreed price which hasn't been disclosed.
Archer rose up through the ranks at Aston Villa and played 14 times for their first-team, finding the net on four occasions. He also had loan spells away at Solihull Moors, Preston North End and Middlesbrough to get some game time under his belt.