Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Manchester United and England midfielder Tom Cleverley on a season-long loan deal.
Manager Paul Lambert is awaiting the decision from the Premier League board as to whether the transfer can be completed, as the deal went past the 11pm deadline last night, after Villa made a last ditch effort to bring the midfielder to the club.
Cleverley was one of a number of players that had become surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, but the England international saw his proposed move to Everton collapse on deadline day after the two clubs could not agree on a deal. The Toffees wanted to take the midfielder on loan, but United were adamant on selling him.
However, it appears that Villa made a last-minute move for Cleverley and have appealed for the deal to be completed late, as the transfer was initiated well in advance of the window closing, according to Sky Sports.
The 25-year old will find out later this afternoon if the loan has been granted by the Premier League board.
Cleverley started his career at Manchester United and has served loan spells at Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic.