Sources: Aston Villa forward Ben Broggio agrees to join new club
Stevenage have agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa youngster Ben Broggio on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The League One outfit have reached an agreement with Villa over the 19-year-old, and have beaten a number of rivals in League One and the Championship to his signature.
Broggio, a winger who can play on both sides, is very highly regarded at Villa Park and they now hope to see him continue his development with regular game time.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish Premiership outfit Falkirk, where he scored five goals and picked up two assists in 17 appearances.
A move to Stevenage in League One is seen as the ideal next step for his development, with Villa keen for him to be tested before he can stake a claim to a first-team place.
Broggio penned a new long-term deal at Villa Park last year in a show of faith in his development, and a loan to Stevenage is set to see him shine with more regular minutes.
Why are Aston Villa sending Ben Broggio on loan?
Broggio has attracted a number of admirers in the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa having been open about their plans to send him out on loan again.
He has not been involved with Unai Emery's first-team squad this season, with a view to him landing a move elsewhere in search of more regular minutes.
Stevenage have now moved ahead of their rivals in pursuit of the winger, and after reaching an agreement with Aston Villa and Broggio, are set to complete his signing.
After an impressive loan spell at Falkirk last season, Villa are keen for him to make a step up, while Stevenage will hope to mount a promotion push after missing out last season.
So far this season, Alex Revell's side have drawn two and lost one of their three league games, with the addition of Broggio targeted as they aim to strengthen their attack.
Which other young stars could leave Aston Villa?
Broggio is not the only young player being linked with a move away from Aston Villa in the window's closing stages, with the club keen for their top talents to play regular football.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 August that Bradley Burrowes is being eyed by clubs in League One and the Championship, with Villa now open to loan offers.
The winger has impressed during his time in Aston Villa's academy, and has impressed watching scouts with his performances in the last 12 months.
Burrowes has just one senior appearance to his name, but was an unused substitute during their UEFA Supercup defeat to PSG and Premier League defeat to Brighton.
Burrowes is now likely to become the latest academy gem to leave Villa Park in search of first-team football, with the club holding out high hopes for his development.