ROBERTO DI MATTEO has convinced Italian Under-20 goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini to sign for Aston Villa.
Villa’s Italian boss expects to push through a £4.1million move for the Hellas Verona keeper on Wednesday after meeting with Gollini over the weekend.
The Italian boss persuaded his fellow countryman to move to the Championship after he impressed the 21-year-old with his detailed vision of where he wants to take the club.
Gollini, who spent three years as a youth and reserve team goalie with Manchester United, has now agreed personal terms.
The 6ft 2in goalie is expected to become Villa’s second purchase of the summer, to join £3m signing from Bournemouth Tommy Elphick at Villa Park.
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Gollini’s arrival is likely to speed up the departure of USA No1 Brad Guzan, who is wanted by Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile Di Matteo is keen to add another new signing to his squad before heading for the club’s pre-season trip to Austria.
He wants to tie up a £5m move for Reading midfielder Aaron Tshibola after the Royals accepted Villa’s offer.
The 21-year-old has yet to agree personal terms but Villa assistant manager Steve Clark knows Tshibola from his time at Reading, and the player is understood to be keen to team up with him again.
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