Gabby Agbonlahor

Sun 3 January 2021 8:00, UK

Gabriel Agbonlahor has tipped Aston Villa to offer rising star Jaden Philogene-Bidace a new contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, the legendary former Villa striker delivered his verdict after RB Leipzig made contact over the possibility of signing the 18-year-old sensation.

Football Insider revealed last week the German giants have made an approach about signing the youngster ahead of his contract expires=ing at the end of the season.

Last season’s Champions League semi-finalists are no stranger to English talent having had Emile Smith-Rowe, Ademola Lookman, Ethan Ampadu and Oliver Burke all on their books in recent seasons.

If they agree a pre-contract agreement with Philogence-Bidace, Leipzig will still have to pay a compensation fee to Villa, determined by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

As he is under the age of 24 his next club would have to pay the Midlands giants a development fee if he leaves at the end of the season.

“Aston Villa are keen on keeping young players,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.

“We saw that with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy when he signed a really good contract at a really young age.

“I’m sure Aston Villa will do everything they can to tie this player down and not let him leave.”

Philogence-Bidace was a member of Dean Smith’s first-team squad in pre-season and featured in a number of friendlies.

However, he has been limited to appearances in Premier League 2 this term and his performances earned him a nomination for the November Player of the Month award.

In other news, a top pundit has been left drooling over an Aston Villa capture.