Aston Villa set to beat Manchester United and Liverpool to 'crazy' transfer

Aston Villa are set to bolster their youth ranks with the signing Rangers youngster Rory Wilson.

The 16-year-old has left Rangers and is closing in on a move to Villa, after Rangers have accepted a £350,000 offer for the youngster. The two clubs had been disputing the compensation that Rangers are due, and the case was set to go before FIFA.

But after after both parties have come to an agreement, Villa can look forward to developing one of the most exciting British talents. Wilson, who netted 49 goals as he helped the Ibrox club win the Scottish Youth Cup, wants to progress his career in the Premier League, but former Villa right-back Alan Hutton was surprised to see him leave Scotland at such a young age.

Hutton told Football Insider: "Rory Wilson, he’s only 16. He’s got a lot of potential, he’s not ready for the first team, of course. I just think back to my time. All I was desperate to do was come through and play for Rangers.

"I’ve listened to some quotes from Rory Wilson saying he’s ready for the next stage of his development and in order to do that he needs to go down south. I’m thinking this is a 16-year-old boy. It’s crazy how times have moved forward and how things have changed.

"I get it, the lure of the Premier League is massive. Obviously, Steven Gerrard knows him really well so I get the link there. I get why he wants to go."

Wilson had been courted by a number of top clubs, including Manchester and Liverpool, but it would seem ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was a telling factor behind Wilson's decision to join Villa. He is expected to seal a move at the start of next month.