Sources: Aston Villa starlet Philogene-Bidace undergoing medical today after Stoke City bid accepted
Aston Villa attacker Jaden Philogene-Bidace is due for a medical at Stoke City on Thursday ahead of completing a loan move, Football Insider understands.
The Premier League club have given the green light to the 19-year-old heading to the Championship outfit for the rest of the season.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Stoke have agreed a loan deal for Philogene-Bidace after beating off interest from several Championship clubs.
He will undergo medical tests on Thursday as well as finalise the terms of the switch.
It is believed that a key factor in Stoke winning the race is they have promised to play Philogene-Bidace in a creative number 10 role.
Villa are happy with the second-tier club's plans for the exciting talent.
Michael O'Neill, the Stoke manager, also has an impressive track record of working and developing young players.
Philogene-Bidace made his Premier League debut earlier this season and featured in Villa's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United this month.
However, the arrival of Philippe Coutinho, coupled with the return of wingers Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet from the African Cup of Nations next month, have been key in Steven Gerrard sanctioning a move.
He's the first Villa academy graduate to move to a Championship club on loan this season with other youngsters moving down the leagues to accelerate their development.
Philogene-Bidace has made five senior appearances so far for the Midlands giants, and has supplied two assists.