Aston Villa transfer news: Ex-Manchester United youth goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini deal close

Roberto Di Matteo is closing in on completing his second signing as Villa manager.

Relegated Villa are close to completing the signing of former Manchester United youth goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, according to reports in the Italian press.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper – now at Serie A club Hellas Verona in Italy – is expected to cost in the region of £5million and will sign a four-year contract.

Gollini started out at Fiorentina before moving to Manchester United in 2012. However, he left Old Trafford for Verona two years later, making his debut in September of that year. He will compete with American international Brad Guzan, Mark Bunn and Jed Steer for the No.1 jersey.

Guzan, who performed well in the Copa America as the USA reached the semi-finals before losing to Argentina, is attracting interest from newly-promoted Middlesbrough.

The 31-year-old was a target for abuse from a large section of the Villa Park faithful last season as the plunged towards relegation from the Premier League.

Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick is Di Matteo's only signing to date, although Villa are also on the trail of Reading's South African midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

Meanwhile, former Villa winger Charles N'Zogbia may get to extend his stay in the Premier League after it was revealed he was training with Sunderland.

The Black Cats – managed by Dudley-born Sam Allardyce – made a late surge to survive relegation last season.