Villa source: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho

Aston Villa are close to reaching an agreement with Hearts for teenager Ewan Simpson, according to Football Insider.

Villa have bolstered their academy ranks over the last 12 months, with Tim Iroegbunam already stepping up into Steven Gerrard’s first-team plans following a move from West Brom last summer.

Defender Kerr Smith also arrived from Dundee United back in January, while Villa are thought to be close to signing striker Rory Wilson from Rangers.

Simpson, a 15-year-old midfielder, also now looks set to make the move to the Midlands after links first emerged towards the end of April.

FI shared an update regarding Villa and Simpson after being informed by a club source.

They claimed that talks are now at an advanced stage over a move for the Hearts ‘sensation’, with an agreement close to being reached and Villa in pole position for his signature.

Villa have wasted no time ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge and the summer window opening when it comes to both their academy and first-team, with Philippe Coutinho set to make his move to Villa Park from Barcelona permanent.

The news regarding Simpson will go under the radar as a result of the Brazilian’s full-time move, however, it looks like a shrewd move by Villa officials for their exciting academy.

A number of clubs in England and Scotland were keen on Simpson’s services, so Villa appear to be edging close to an academy coup which Gerrard could benefit from in years to come.

In other news: Gerrard is now personally keeping an eye on ‘top quality’ Villa target. 

Source