Aston Villa have agreed to sell Lewis Dobbin to Southampton for £9m plus add-ons.
The 23-year-old is due to undergo a medical before completing his permanent move to the Championship club.
Jacob Tanswell reports that Southampton have won the race for Dobbin despite interest from several other sides in the division.
The forward joined Villa from Everton for a reported fee of around £10m in June 2024 but did not make a competitive first-team appearance.
Dobbin sale gives Villa useful summer income
Dobbin spent last season on loan at Preston North End and produced the strongest campaign of his senior career.
He scored 10 goals in all competitions and registered eight assists while operating both centrally and from wide areas.
ReadAstonVilla previously examined how Dobbin’s transformation at Preston had attracted interest ahead of the summer window.
His form strengthened Villa’s negotiating position and allowed the club to secure a permanent fee rather than approve another temporary move.
The £9m agreement should recover most of the amount Villa originally paid Everton. Add-ons could eventually take the total beyond that figure.
Dobbin’s departure also removes another player from a crowded group of young forwards requiring regular senior football.
He was unlikely to move ahead of Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham or Villa’s other established attacking options under Unai Emery.
Southampton will instead offer him the opportunity to build on his Championship progress and compete for a regular starting place.
The deal remains subject to Dobbin completing his medical and finalising personal terms. However, Villa are now close to banking their latest outgoing transfer fee.
