Aston Villa are close to completing the signing of highly-rated Sheffield United defender Matthew Lowton, according to Sky Sports News.
The 23-year-old was a stand-out in United's promotion push last season and is equally comfortable at right-back or centre-half.
Lowton would be Paul Lambert's second signing since becoming Villa manager, following the arrival of Moroccan midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.
The fee to bring Lowton to Villa Park is believed to be in the region of £3m.