Ashley Preece has confirmed that Aston Villa are set to sign in-demand winger Cole Brannigan.

The Lowdown: Academy additions

Villa have been proactive over the last 18 months when it comes to adding to their academy ranks, with the likes of Josh Feeney, Kerr Smith and Rory Wilson all arriving at Bodymoor Heath.

Reports suggested last week that Brannigan is set to become the latest youngster to pen terms with Villa, and reliable journalist Preece has shared what he’s heard on a possible move.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece shared an Aston Villa notebook for Birmingham Live, where he was asked if Villa have indeed seen off 'a host of top clubs' to sign Brannigan.

The Villa reporter replied, saying that the teenager is ‘expected to sign terms with Villa’, adding that Manchester City were also in for his services.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-copy-2/" title="Aston Villa latest updates! (Copy)" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The Verdict: Future star?

Villa appear to signing an in-demand youngster who was also wanted by Chelsea and Leeds alongside City.

You’d expect that the Northern Ireland under-16 international may slot straight into the under-18s in the Midlands, looking to progress to the under-21s and first team in due course.

Hopefully a transfer will be announced in the New Year, and in the years to come, Villa may reap the rewards of a move for Brannigan by seeing him in the first-team setup.