Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has claimed West Brom midfielder Tim Iroegbunam will be making the move to Villa Park this summer.
The Lowdown: Iroegbunam links
Villa have already brought in Josh Feeney from Fleetwood Town and Ajani Burchall from Bournemouth, and it seems as if Iroegbunam will be the next young addition.
Reports last week suggested that Villa agreed to pay a six-figure compensation fee to the Baggies for the 18-year-old.
Football Insider claimed that a deal for Iroegbunam was set to be announced last Saturday, but as we know, a move is yet to be confirmed by either club.
The Latest: Preece’s claim
Preece was quizzed on Twitter on Wednesday evening by a fan asking on the situation with Iroegbunam.
This is what he had to say when asked for an update, admitting a transfer is still on the cards.
“Got told he is joining, Julie. Not sure when it'll be made official”
The Verdict: Another exciting addition
Iroegbunam was described as ‘an important character’ by West Brom Under-18 boss Peter Gilbert and has 'added goals to his game', so a swoop for the Baggies' academy player of the season appears to be a shrewd one at first glance.
Villa have already bolstered their centre-back and wide ranks in their academy with the acquisitions of Feeney and Burchall, and Iroegbunam will add more competition to the club’s young central midfield options.
He’ll turn 19 at the end of the month and was rewarded by the Baggies with a place on the bench against Leeds United last season.
West Brom clearly wanted him to keep hold of the youngster, who rejected a Hawthorns contract in favour of moving across the Midlands.