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Aston Villa will tie up a £7.5million move to keep midfielder Tom Cleverley on their books when the January transfer window opens.

Boss Paul Lambert has been so impressed with the 25-year-old that he wants to activate an option in the deadline day loan deal Villa agreed with Manchester United to sign him.

Cleverley’s Old Trafford contract runs out in the summer, making him free now to talk to clubs abroad about his future.

Villa’s money men would ideally prefer to delay a deal until the summer in the hope of keeping the former England star, who has enjoyed his game under Lambert, on their books for free.

But his form has improved so much since getting regular games – the match with United was the first game he’s missed since signing – that Lambert doesn’t want to take the risk of losing him.

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Gallery: Manchester United's January transfer targets