Turkey was just a stop on the way between Italy and England: Zaniolo is close to Villa

Aston Villa is on the verge of finalizing a loan agreement with Galatasaray's midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, with reports suggesting that a deal is nearing completion.

The 24-year-old attacking-minded midfielder has been playing for the Turkish giants for barely six months since his highly unfriendly divorce from Jose Mourinho's Roma. Back then, Zaniolo was linked with a move to Juventus and he refused to sign a new contract with the Romans. Such attitude didn't go down well at Stadio Olimpico and the 13-times capped Italy international was sold for around $17 million - well below his true market value.

Playing for Galata in the Turkish Super Lig, Zaniolo scored five goals in ten appearances - proving he's still an able player despite suffering from multiple knee problems in the past.

The impending move comes as Aston Villa seeks to reinforce their midfield resources following an unfortunate injury suffered by Emiliano Buendia during a training session last Wednesday. The Argentine is expected to undergo an extended recovery period, which has left Aston Villa with a deficiency in the central midfield position.

According to the latest reports, Villa have made a $3.3 million loan offer along with a $22 million buy option for Zaniolo. However, there is a potential $7.7 million in add-ons, which could take the package to $33 million overall.

Several journalists who follow transfers claim the deal is very close to completion.