Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Rangers and Scotland U17 striker Rory Wilson.
The Lowdown: Contract expiring
The 16-year-old rejected the Glasgow side’s most recent offer of a contract back in March, according to Football Insider.
The deal would have been the most lucrative first-year deal in the history of the club, but Wilson knocked it back, making it clear that he wants to leave Ibrox in search of pastures new.
The Latest: Villa in advanced talks
According to Football Insider, Villa are in advanced talks with the youth prospect and are pushing hard for him to be in the West Midland club’s academy next season.
The same report suggests that Steven Gerrard’s side are top of the pecking order ahead of other Premier League sides, with Brighton and Hove Albion also thought to be interested in the 11-time Scotland U17 international.
Villa have offered the current Rangers man a scholarship contract, which will be converted into a full-time contract when he turns 17.
He will cost the Premier League side just £300k.
The Verdict: Impressive addition to a strong academy
The former European Cup winners already boast an impressive academy system, with their U18 side winning the FA Youth Cup in 2021.
And there is a clear route for academy prospects to grow into the first-team, with Jacob Ramsey being a prime example, making 35 appearances for Villa this season, having gradually been given game time over the past four seasons.
Current Scotland U17 manager Brian McLaughlin has described Wilson as “up there with the best [young talent] in Europe” and “clinical,” after helping Scotland qualify for the U17 European Championship finals.
He has scored eight goals and provided one assist for the Scotland U17 side in just 11 appearances, suggesting that the Rangers man knows where the back of the net is.
He has scored 49 goals in all competitions for the Glasgow club’s youth side this season, according to Barry Anderson, meaning he would likely be given a chance in the first team eventually or loaned out to gain experience in a similar way to Louie Barry or Jaden Philogene-Bidace this season.
Having scored a combined 60 goals for club and country at youth level, it’s no wonder why Gerrard is looking to get his former youth prospect down to the West Midlands, and for just £300k, it may prove to be a steal of a signing.
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