Aston Villa 'to tie up £7.5m Tom Cleverley deal'

Aston Villa are reportedly keen to seal a permanent deal with Manchester United for Tom Cleverley when the January transfer window opens.

Cleverley is out of contract with the Red Devils in the summer and can speak to clubs from abroad in the New Year ahead of a possible free transfer.

The Mirror claims that manager Paul Lambert is willing to fork out £7.5m to keep hold of the England international.

However, figures in Villa's boardroom would rather wait until the summer and hope to complete a free transfer, rather than spend money.

Cleverley sat out Saturday's 1-1 draw against United at Villa Park as part of his loan agreement.