Aston Villa announce two sudden transfer agreements as another 'close'

Aston Villa have been stepping up their transfer activity in recent days.

With bids lodged for young Middlesbrough winger Morgan Rogers and  Iceland international keeper Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson, and the Villans closing in on a deal for Red Star Belgrade defender Kosta Nedeljkovic, Unai Emery is clearly determined to strengthen his side’s chances of landing a surprise Premier League title this season.

But while attention at present focuses largely on potential incomings, Villa have made two concrete announcements today regarding players currently in the building. Meanwhile, there’s reports from abroad that another player, currently out on loan, could be making a permanent move away from the club in the summer. Here’s the latest developments.

Youngster rewarded with new deal

Villa have handed under-21 captain Tommi O’Reilly a new contract.

The Birmingham-born youngster has been rewarded with fresh terms after registering seven assists and scoring twice in eight appearances for Villa’s under-21s in this season’s Premier League 2.

O’Reilly’s been on the bench for Emery’s senior side four times this season and made his first-team debut as a second-half substitute in the Europa Conference League clash at HSK Zrinjski last month.

Academy manager Mark Harrison said: ‘We are delighted to see Tommi sign his new contract. It’s a great reflection of his hard work and development over the past couple of years, especially as he's been registered with us since the age of nine.

‘I would like to thank Tommi’s family and all the staff who have been involved in his development. We look forward to seeing how his career develops.’

Keeper joins League Two side on loan

A deal to allow young Villa keeper Filip Marschall to link up with League Two MK Dons for the remainder of the season has been confirmed.

The 20-year-old, who has served as Emiliano Martinez’s back-up for the majority of the season to date, will move to the Dons on loan in order to help him gain some much-needed game time.

It’s the third time Marschall has linked up with Mike Williamson, with the recently appointed MK boss having signed him twice while manager of non-league side Gateshead.

The keeper’s departure comes amid news that Villa have approached Swedish club Elfsborg for Valdimarsson.

Following the completion of a deal for Marschall, MK Dons boss Williamson said: ‘Firstly, he’s a great guy to work with, and a very mature lad for such a young age. Both times I’ve previously signed him, I could see the improvement, and the potential he’s got. He’s a great character, great with the ball at his feet and is a physical unit too.

'He'll be dominant, and it creates a healthy competition in the squad. We’re very grateful to Aston Villa for the loan and hopefully we can repay them with the growth in him.’

£14m misfit edges closer to exit

Forgotten man Morgan Sanson’s loan move to OGC Nice looks increasingly likely to be made into a permanent deal. That’s after French publication  L’Équipe specified the conditions in which the midfielder’s move to the south of France will become permanent.

They state, for the 29-year-old’s 4m euro purchase option to be triggered, the player must start at least 17 Ligue 1 games, while Nice must finish eighth or above in the table. At present, Villa’s 2021 £14m signing from Marseille has made 15 starts for Francesco Farioli’s side, who currently sit second in France’s top flight.

Speaking in December, Sanson said: 'Yes, of course (I want to stay). Florent Ghisolfi (Nice sporting director) has said the same thing that he wants me involved in the project for the long term. Even if there is a permanent option with clauses that are very much attainable, I think I’ll be here for a while. I will do everything to ensure that the option is triggered.’

Sanson made 23 appearances for Villa prior to his switch to Nice.