Sources: Aston Villa sensation Tim Iroegbunam in advanced talks over new deal
Aston Villa rising star Tim Iroegbunam is in advanced talks over signing a new contract, Football Insider understands.
The midfield sensation, 19, is rated as a big talent at Villa and was handed his first-team debut against Brighton in the Premier League last month.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club are negotiating a new contract with Iroegbunam and discussions are now at an advanced stage.
It is expected that an agreement can soon be reached.
The new and improved deal is a reward for the great progress made by Iroegbunam since he joined from West Brom last summer.
He was a mainstay of the club's Under-23s side in the first half of the season before being promoted to the senior set-up.
The young central midfielder has been in the matchday squad for Villa's last 12 Premier League matches and got his first run-out as a senior in the 2-0 win over Brighton on 26 February.
Iroegbunam rejected a new contract from the Baggies in favour of joining Villa when his contract expired last year.
He had been a key player for West Brom's Under-23s and made 40 appearances at that level.
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 in March of last year.
Jacob, 20, has developed into a first-team star this season and is regarded as one of the best youngsters in English football.
The club have many other highly rated young players in their set-up including Carney Chukwuemeka, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Hayden Linley and Kaine Kesler.