Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as the new frontrunners to sign Rosenborg starlet Sverre Nypan.
Dubbed the 'next Martin Odegaard', the 18-year-old has been making an impact back in Norway since being handed his Eliterserien debut in 2022.
Despite his young age, a total of 14 goals and 11 assists have come from 62 appearances in the first team, including eight goals and seven assists in the most recent edition of Norway's top flight.
However, with a contract until the end of 2026, it is inevitable that a transfer to a bigger club will materialise over one of the upcoming transfer windows.
Earlier in the year, there were widespread reports that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City were attempting to convince the teenager to join their respective clubs.
© Imago
Villa move ahead of Premier League rivals
With regards to Man City's interest, it was suggested that a loan switch to sister club Girona would be involved before he came into contention at the Etihad Stadium.
Nevertheless, as per The Athletic and journalist Ole K. Sagbakken, Aston Villa have got their noses in front in the race to secure Nypan's signature.
Both reports suggest that Nypan has made the decision that Villa is his preferred destination for where he wishes to continue his career.
As it stands, a transfer fee is yet to be agreed, nor has Nypan agreed personal terms with the West Midlands outfit.
© Imago
Would Nypan have immediate impact?
Villa are in the process of trying to cement their place at European football's top table by qualifying for the Champions League on a yearly basis.
While they are underdogs to progress to this year's semi-finals on Tuesday evening, Unai Emery's impact at the club is considerably beyond expectations.
If Nypan were to move to Villa, it would realistically be on the basis he has been promised a pathway into the first team in a role similar to what Odegaard has at Arsenal.
Nypan is generally used as a number eight and may flourish more alongside two other players in the engine room if he were to be presented with regular Premier League football at this stage of his career.
Nevertheless, there is also a learning process to be undertaken, and working and competing with players such as Youri Tielemans would only benefit him in the long term.
Darren Plant
