Aston Villa are all set to sign Port Vale schoolboy Freddie Lawrie and could pay a record six-figure sum to capture the exciting prospect.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa looks set to continue their impressive spree of signing some of the notable youngsters in English football. Their academy ranks have experienced visible success, and now they are set to sign Port Vale’s 14-year-old midfield prodigy Freddie Lawrie for a record sum.
Premier League clubs are aggressively approaching youth signings, as Aston Villa are making some solid moves in the market. Having produced some notable players through their academy ranks, the Midlands side made considerable sales during the summer.
Some names like Jacob Ramsey, Aaron Ramsey and Cameron Archer have all come through their fabled academy, with the latter duo departing for big money this summer. Ramsey joined Burnley, and Archer made his move to Sheffield United, fetching Villa considerable fees in return.
Villa wants to continue there and are ready to invest that money into their academy again. They are now set to sign Port Vale’s exciting 14-year-old midfield prodigy Freddie Lawrie. The youngster had many top-rated suitors during the window, but the Midlands side are closing in on his signature.
Reports indicated Villa had already agreed to a deal with Port Vale for Lawrie. They are close to finalising a move for the midfield prodigy, beating top-draw competition from Premier League rivals like Newcastle United.
The Magpies had hoped to sign Lawrie after their recent business with Port Vale. Newcastle United managed to snap up one of their promising talents in Michael Mills and wanted Lawrie. However, Villa have beat them hands down and have reportedly agreed to pay a six-figure sum for the 14-year-old.
Villa would have paid a record sum for a schoolboy when this deal goes through, but they see it as a massive investment into the future. When he arrives, Lawrie will go through the youth ranks, but the club chiefs remain optimistic about his meteoric rise within their system and predict he will play for the first team in the future.
