Aston Villa finally secured Rushian Hepburn-Murphy to an extended contract.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy finally committed his future to Aston Villa last week, penning a three-and-a-half year deal, The BBC reported.
The talented young striker made his debut for the club back in 2015 and has scored regularly for the under-23s.
Aston Villa’s Rushian Hepburn Murphy in action
The striker had been linked with a move away to Rangers by the Scottish Sun, with previous his deal set to expire in June.
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The news he has signed a deal was welcome, and also hinted why Villa had backed out of a move to sign promising Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom.
The Mirror reported in January that Villa were weighing up a loan move for Akpom, with Steve Bruce previously working with the prospect at Hull City.
Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom scores their third goal with a penalty
Akpom’s arrival would have ended any chance of Hepburn-Murphy getting a look in this season, with competition for places made that much more difficult.
They instead backed out of a deal, and allowed Brighton unchallenged to land England youth striker Akpom.
This was likely because they knew, or hoped, Hepburn-Murphy was close to signing a new contract, which would suddenly make him eligible for first team consideration, with manager Steve Bruce previously declaring he would not be considered unless he committed his future to the club.
While Villa added Scott Hogan to their squad on deadline day, he was a replacement for Ross McCormack and Rudy Gestede who were loaned and sold in January.
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