Aston Villa make recruitment plan clear as Wolves ‘eye up’ want-away Liverpool target

Aston Villa are reportedly close to completing a deal to sign Celtic teenager Aidan Borland, continuing a transfer trend set out over recent years. The Villans are said to be in the pole position to sign the 15-year-old, who has played three times as a youth international for Scotland U16s.

Having come through the academy at Celtic Park, Borland joined up with The Bhoys’ U18 side at the start of the season but he could soon make a big decision for the course of his career. According to Daily Record, Celtic have “offered Borland professional forms” but it “looks like he will be heading to the Midlands” with Villa closing in.

As per rules in England, the young midfielder would have to sign initially on a scholar contract but will be able to put pen to paper on a professional deal once he turns 17, in April 2024. If and when the transfer is completed, Villa will have succeeded again in what seems to be a clear recruitment plan.

There appears to be a strategy for signing teenage Scotsmen, having already brought in Rory Wilson from Rangers and Kerr Smith from Dundee United over the last couple of years. It is an exciting time for Scottish football, with some of their best-ever talents currently in their senior international side.

Villa will be hoping Borland, Wilson and Smith can follow in the successful footsteps of the likes of Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney and Scott McTominay, who have all gone on to star for top Premier League sides. Having a top Scottish leader in John McGinn already at Villa Park will no doubt aid the club’s ambitions somewhat, too.

Meanwhile, Wolves set sights on want-away Liverpool target

In other West Midlands transfer news, Villa’s local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be one of numerous Premier League clubs monitoring Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee. The 23-year-old, who is wanted by Liverpool and Manchester United, has shone in Ligue 1 this season with four goals and five assists in 28 appearances.

The Frenchman has started every single league game and is directly responsible for either scoring or setting up 22% of Lorient’s goals this term. His impressive form has gained interest from a whole host of clubs, but Wolves are one of two to have voiced an interest, according to 90min.

And the player has already made up his mind about his future plans as he revealed he wants to depart for a new challenge. “It’s time for me to leave,” Le Fee told Le Telegramme earlier this week. “I hope to leave this summer so that my transfer will bring money to Lorient. I want to show that I am capable of playing at the highest level,” Le Fee continued.

Wolves already have plenty of midfield options but the likely departure of Ruben Neves in the summer would open up a huge void at the centre of the park. Le Fee’s current market value is around £15 million, although the success of this season - as well as the competition for his signature - would probably at least double that figure.