Aston Villa are set to sign highly-rated Linfield teenager Cole Brannigan, according to The Belfast Telegraph’s Steven Beacom.

The Lowdown: Brannigan profiled

Brannigan is a winger and has been catching the eye in England, with Chelsea, Leeds and Manchester City all linked with a move in recent months.

A Northern Ireland U16 international, Brannigan recently impressed at the Victory Shield for his nation, and it seems as if a move to the Midlands is set to materialise.

The Latest: Villa move pending

Beacom shared a story on Wednesday afternoon regarding Brannigan and Villa.

He revealed that Villa have moved into pole position for the player and look set to pay Linfield around £150,000 plus add-ons, with a move 'set' to be completed in the summer.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-4/" title="Aston Villa latest updates!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Exciting

Villa haven’t been shy when it comes to adding to their academy ranks recently, with the likes of Josh Feeney, Kerr Smith and Rory Wilson all arriving at Bodymoor Heath.

Brannigan looks set to be the next potential future star to head to Villa, which can only be viewed as a piece of positive news when you consider some of the sides who were keen on his services.

Hopefully, a transfer can be finalised in the New Year, and who knows, we could see the youngster at first-team level in years to come.