'Done deal' - Contract signing 'today' after Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest talks

The 20-year-old has committed his future to the Villans following an impressive pre-season, delighting manager Unai Emery.

Bogarde has been steadily working his way up the ranks at Villa, beginning in the under-18 side, progressing to the under-23 team and now on the fringes of the first-team setup. He’s expected to have the odd involvement this campaign, even if nobody is sold.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports Bogarde will sign his new Villa deal today as he pledges to the long-term project. It’s stated that Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest had a bid rejected in June as Villa were determined to keep hold of their promising centre-back.

Bogarde was one of the unexpected stars of the 3-2 pre-season win over Athletic Bilbao as he played excellently alongside Ezri Konsa in a back four. The former Feyenoord man racked up 36 appearances throughout two recent loan spells at Bristol Rovers.

Diego Carlos has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, perhaps opening up a spot for Bogarde or a new signing to fill in. But it’s understood that the former Netherlands Under-20 international will earn increased minutes regardless of how the Carlos situation unfolds.

Forest attempting another Villa transfer swoop

Bogarde isn’t the only Villan linked with Forest this summer, as left-back Alex Moreno is in talks over a potential loan move to the City Ground. The 31-year-old is now surplus to requirements following Villa’s £37.5 million acquisition of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.

Birmingham World understands that Forest face competition from two Spanish La Liga clubs and a team in the Turkish Super Lig. All three sides have held talks with Villa and the player. It’s now up to Moreno to decide his destination for the campaign.