By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Sep, 2023 | 1:02pm

Exclusive: Aston Villa agree to sign Freddie Lawrie in record-breaking deal

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Port Vale Vale teenage sensation Freddie Lawrie, sources have told Football Insider.

The central midfielder is about to become the club record sale for a schoolboy player after an agreement was reached between the two clubs.

The Under-15s academy player has earned attention from a number of Premier League sides due to his exceptional performances at underage level.

Villa have jumped ahead of other top-flight clubs in the race to secure Lawrie’s signature.

Lawrie is set to become the second player from Port Vale’s academy to earn a big-money move to the Premier League following Michael Mills’ switch to Newcastle last month.

Aston Villa’s Under-18 side play at the top level and sit third in the U18 Premier League after three games this season.

The club’s youth setup also managed to win the FA Youth Cup in the 2020-21 campaign, beating Liverpool’s youngsters 2-1 in the final.

Jacob Ramsey and Tim Iroegbunam are among the academy graduates present in Unai Emery’s senior squad.

Cameron Archer, Jack Grealish, Aaron Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka play Premier League football elsewhere after leaving Aston Villa on a permanent basis.

At senior level, Aston Villa have had a mixed start to the 2023-24 campaign.

Villa have suffered heavy away losses at Liverpool and Newcastle but sit 10th in the table after beating Everton and Burnley.

Emery’s side will play Europa Conference League group-stage football from later this month.

They have been drawn with AZ Alkmaar, Legia Warsaw and Zrinjski in Group E.

In other news, Chelsea block sensation’s move to Midlands club.