Sources: Aston Villa finalise signing of West Brom starlet Iroegbunam after six-figure bid accepted
Aston Villa have had a bid accepted by West Brom for teenage star Tim Iroegbunam, Football Insider understands.
Albion's academy player of the season is now set to make the short journey from the Hawthorns to Villa Park to complete the move.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club have agreed to pay a six-figure compensation fee to their rivals for Iroegbunam's development costs.
The young central midfielder, 18, has rejected a new contract from the Baggies in favour of joining Villa.
He has been a key player for West Brom's Under-23s and made 40 appearances at that level.
It was enough for him to be named in the first-team squad for the final Premier League match of last season against Leeds United.
Iroegbunam will become the latest youngster to step out on what is an increasingly well-trodden path from West Brom to their big-spending neighbours.
The most high profile of those who started off at the Hawthorns is Louie Barry, although he arrived at Villa Park via the unconventional route of Barcelona following a year overseas.
Villa have put a big emphasis on youth development since owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris took over in 2018.
The club have handed long-term contracts to many of their best teenagers, including brothers Jacob and Aaron Ramsey.
Jacob, 19, signed a new four-year contract in February and Aaron, 18, penned his first professional deal in March.
The club have some other highly rated young players in their set-up including Carney Chukwuemeka, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Kaine Kesler.