Aston Villa look to be closing in on a fifth signing of the summer, with Rangers striker Rory Wilson seemingly on his way to Villa Park.

What's the word?

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands side are nearing the completion of a deal for the 16-year-old, having managed to fend off rival interest for the young Scot.

Amid reports that the Premier League side were interested in the teenager, the trusted insider revealed that the deal is now all but done, with manager Steven Gerrard believed to have been key in orchestrating the move:

"Aston Villa are set to sign talented Scottish striker Rory Wilson from Rangers, born in 2006. Personal terms now agreed - Wilson will sign on July 1,

"Steven Gerrard, the main factor in beating off other interest. Wilson scored 49 goals at youth level this season."

The forward had confirmed his departure from Ibrox last month and will now link up with a familiar face in Gerrard, with the former Liverpool skipper having managed the Glasgow outfit prior to joining Villa back in November.

Gerrard will be buzzing

That impending deal represents yet more early business for the Villans, with the club having already brought in Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos so far this summer, as well as securing permanent moves for both Philippe Coutinho and goalkeeper Robin Olsen after their respective loan deals.

While Wilson will likely be a player for the future - unlike the names mentioned above - his imminent arrival further illustrates the impressive pulling power of that man Gerrard, with the 42-year-old seemingly having been able to persuade the young starlet to make the switch, despite reported interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

The clamour for the prodigious talent has no doubt been warranted, with the lethal "goal machine" - as he has been dubbed by Jonty Colman - having netted a staggering 49 goals for the Gers' youth team last season.

Equally, he has eight goals in just 11 appearances for Scotland at U17 level, with such form leading to hefty praise from his national team boss Brian McLaughlin: “He is a clever player, his touch is good, his attitude is superb and his finishing .. for a young boy to be able to finish the way he can finish, just clinical and calm in front of goals. He knows he is always going to get a chance because his movement gives him that.”

The signs are that Villa are set to have a real, standout talent on their hands, with Gerrard no doubt buzzing to have been able to poach the promising marksman from his former club, even if he may have to wait a while to see the fruits of his labour.

Who knows, with doubts over the future of Danny Ings and with the club still yet to add a new striker, there may even be a chance for Wilson to show what he can do at senior level next term...

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