Aston Villa believe that they are close to securing Rushian Hepburn-Murphy onto a new three year contract.
According to a report in the Birmingham Mail Villa are confident that the 18-year-old striker sees his future in the Midlands despite interest from Rangers and Watford.
Rangers were hoping to sign Hepburn-Murphy once his contract expires in the summer in a move similar to Celtic’s capture of Moussa Dembele from Fulham.
Cross border transfers attract a minimal development fee while completely different factors are used when a deal is completed between two English clubs.
New Villa boss Steve Bruce has been impressed by the 18-year-old and is likely to give Hepburn-Murphy a run in the first team if he signs the new deal.
Jonathan Kodja and Jordan Ayew will both be in action at the African Nations Cup in January opening up space in the first team pool for Hepburn-Murphy to take his chance.