Aston Villa close in on Helenius

11 June 2013 18:17

Aston Villa have confirmed they are close to signing Danish striker Nicklas Helenius from Aalborg.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped twice by Denmark, came through the youth ranks at Aalborg and was the second highest scorer in the Danish league last season with 16 goals.

A statement on the Villa website said: "Aston Villa can confirm that the club are in negotiations with Aalborg BK for the transfer of Danish forward Nicklas Helenius. The club expects to conclude the deal, subject to a medical and personal terms, in the next 10 days."

Confirmation that 6ft 5in Helenius is close to a move to the midlands comes a day after 21-year-old striker Andreas Weimann signed a new three-year deal with Villa.

Manager Paul Lambert relied on the club's youngsters to keep Villa in the Barclays Premier League last season, and Weimann was one of those who shone.

Lambert will now hope he can persuade Christian Benteke, who did more than anything to ensure Villa's survival in the top flight, to follow suit and sign a new deal.

Source: PA