Report: Aston Villa set to win race to sign Rangers teenager Rory Wilson
Aston Villa look set to win the race to sign Rangers wonderkid Rory Wilson, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper reports that Steven Gerrard is close to persuading the 16-year-old to quit his former club in Scotland and head south of the border to Villa Park.
It is understood that Rangers are “resigned to losing” the young striker despite offering him a new contract.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have reportedly been in the hunt to sign Wilson as well but it seems as though Aston Villa might land the up-and-coming goal machine.
Gerrard using his contacts
Gerrard seems to be utilising his links to other clubs in order to strengthen the squad at Aston Villa.
Would the Villans have been able to sign Philippe Coutinho in January if Dean Smith was still in charge? Probably not.
Gerrard’s Liverpool link to the Brazilian playmaker was definitely in effect there while the Villa manager’s knowledge of Rangers’ academy is also playing a role here.
There’s also a chance that the important Aston Villa place on youth has played a role in this.
While Man United, Man City and Liverpool have some of the best academies in the world, Villa are one of the best at being able to promote young talent into their senior squad and that may have been the ultimate winner for Wilson.
In other Aston Villa news, here’s why John McGinn is the unsung hero at Villa Park.