Dundee United have reached a deal to sell Kerr Smith to Aston Villa in a move that could eventually secure a £2million windfall.

The English Premier League outfit have brokered a significant transfer fee up front along with a number of major add-ons for their in-demand academy graduate.

Crystal Palace, Southampton, Everton and Chelsea were all interested in the 17-year-old but Steven Gerrard 's Villa have struck a deal with sporting director Tony Asghar.

The teenager has now been given permission to travel south for a medical, to agree terms and finalise his dream move.

Villa rate Smith as one of the best young defenders of his age in the United Kingdom and very much see him as one for the future.

He will be integrated into their under-23 squad in the short-term.

Smith only signed his first professional contract with United last December when he turned 17 and even then there was strong English top-flight interest.

The talented youngster has been fast-tracked into the United teams and already has several first-team appearances under his belt.

United chairman Mark Ogren has made no secret that he is looking to build the club around their successful youth academy.

Smith is the latest young talent to come through with many more graduates already in the first-team or chapping at the door.

United have already signed Tony Watt on a pre contract from Motherwell.

They are now likely to go and try to get a deal done for the frontman in this window.