Aston Villa reach verbal agreement for Hellas Verona attacker Cyril Ngonge

Aston Villa and Hellas Verona have sealed the agreement over a deal for Cyril Ngonge, with the Belgian winger set to become the Midlands club’s first signing of the January transfer window. The Serie A club have reportedly verbally accepted an offer worth €10 million from Aston Villa.

Cyril Ngonge, 23, has undoubtedly been the brightest spark for Hellas Verona in an otherwise torrid campaign in Serie A, contributing five goals and two assists in 17 appearances. Financial concerns mean Hellas Verona are being forced to sell some of their valuable assets, with Swedish defender Isak Hien joining Atalanta earlier this week.

Ngonge has enjoyed success since arriving at Hellas Verona on a free transfer from Groningen just a year ago and, thus, is eager to remain in Italy, with Fiorentina interested in his services. His preference is to join Fiorentina, who have been lurking for his signature for some time now. Fiorentina have monitored the 23-year-old well since the last summer, but are wary of Aston Villa’s interest with Verona braced for a bid from the Premier League.

Aston Villa closing in on Cyril Ngonge

Aston Villa have been the surprise packing in the Premier League this season and remain in the mix for a title challenge. They have gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Unai Emery, with the Spanish tactician turning the Midlands club into a dark horse contender for the Premier League title. Emery’s side remains favourites to qualify in the top four ahead of the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea and make it to the Champions League next season.

Given the promising position Villa find themselves in after the first half of the season, Unai Emery wants to bolster his squad in this winter transfer window. He seems to be keen on adding more attacking options to his squad and ensuring the Villans’ incredible campaign continues. And with the Spaniard hoping to steer the club to a Champions League berth, the Villa hierarchy are ready to sanction the necessary funds required to help make the ambition a reality.

Now, it looks like Villa are close to completing their first signing of the winter transfer window after their €10 million bid for Cyril Ngonge was verbally accepted by Hellas Verona. Despite being stuck in a relegation battle, Verona are ready to move Ngonge on this month and ease their financial problems. The 23-year-old is now free to open talks with Villa and agree on personal terms, even though he prefers to stay in Serie A.

And if all goes to plan, the Belgian—who can operate as an attacking midfielder, out wide and as a centre-forward, could arrive at Villa Park in the coming days to complete his medical tests. Emery has a fantastic track record of developing unknown young gems and turning them into world-beaters. He certainly can help Ngonge fulfil his rich potential if the attacker decides to join Villa.