League One newcomers Tranmere Rovers are set to sign Aston Villa striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy on loan.

According to Birmingham Live, the Villa youngster is set to complete a loan move to Prenton Park as he looks to get some more first-team experience under his belt following a short spell with Cambridge United last term.

Hepburn-Murphy only managed two goals in his spell with Cambridge last year but will be looking to build on that spell and impress for Tranmere next year as Villa manager Dean Smith looks for his young striker to go out and prove himself.

The signing of Hepburn-Murphy would make big sense for Tranmere, who are seeking a replacement for goal machine striker James Norwood, who moved to Ipswich Town this summer after helping Rovers to promotion last term.

The 20-year-old has failed to fire for Villa as yet in his young career but will be hoping a spell in League One can prove to be the making of him as he looks to get among the goals and prove himself to the onlooking coaching staff at Villa Park.

It is believed Hepburn-Murphy will complete a move to Prenton Park in the coming days.

The Verdict

This is the sort of move Hepburn-Murphy needs at this stage of his career, and he might well prove to be a hit down in League One.

He's a player of clear talent and can go a long way in the game, but at 20, he needs to get some goals under his belt and start to prove that he can be a talent in the lower leagues.

If he can fire the goals in for Tranmere and replace James Norwood, then this would go a long way to securing his long-term future at Villa Park.