Aston Villa on verge of signing Pepe Reina after finalising transfer agreement as his agent thrashes out AC Milan exit

ASTON VILLA are reportedly on the verge of signing Pepe Reina.

Nicolo Schira claims the goalkeeper has agreed a deal to return to the Premier League with Dean Smith’s side.

And his agent is currently locked in negotiations with AC Milan to get a deal over the line before the weekend.

Reina, 37, has made just one appearance this season and was targeted by Smith after injury ruled Tom Heaton out until the summer.

Villa opened transfer talks with the ex-Liverpool and Napoli stopper earlier this week.

And Smith hopes he can name Reina in his starting XI when Villa host Manchester City on Sunday.

Smith had been taking a look at Burnley’s Joe Hart before turning to Reina.

Darren Randolph was another option but the Middlesbrough goalie is on the verge of rejoining West Ham.

It means Reina is set to move between the sticks for the Villans, who are just one point above the relegation zone.

And the Spaniard will get a chance to visit his beloved Anfield in April after winning the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2006.

Villa are also in the market for a striker after losing Wesley to a long-term injury.

He is expected to be out until next season, and it's reckoned Villa have contacted Palace over a move for their former attacker Christian Benteke.

He scored 49 goals in 101 appearances at Villa Park but failed to make the grade at Liverpool and has scored just four times in the last two-and-a-half years.