Reading FC: Aaron Tshibola set for medical at Aston Villa after Royals accept £5 million bid

The 21-year-old Royals Academy graduate has travelled to the Midlands for contract talks with Villa representatives.

If that goes well the classy midfielder will undergo a medical before completing his move to Villa Park later this week.

The news will be a blow to manager Jaap Stam who only last week told Royals' Thai owners he did not want to lose Tshibola, especially to a rival Championship club.

But it appears Tshibola was open to the move, forcing Royals to reluctantly accept Villa's sizeable offer.

Gutted to see Tish go. Least the money is pushing closer to his worth. Huge talent, you'll love him. #AVFC #readingfc

— Matthew (@maffff) 4 July 2016

Tshibola was handed his Reading debut by former manager Steve Clarke, who is now assistant boss to Roberto Di Matteo at Villa.

It is thought Reading rejected a £2m bid from Norwich City for Tshibola last week, but found Villa's offer too good to refuse.

Somewhere in the Midlands, one Steve Clarke is rubbing his hands and driving needles into his #readingfc pin-cushion.

— Jacob South Klein (@JacobSouthKlein) 4 July 2016

Meanwhile, Royals may also face a battle to keep hold of 26-year-old full-back Chris Gunter following reports that Celtic are preparing to activate a £1m release clause in his contract.

Gunter is currently with Wales at Euro 2016 ahead of their historic semi-final clash against Portugal this Wednesday.