---
title: "Villa Chase Barnsley Youngster"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2015/07/12/villa-chase-barnsley-youngster/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oliver MacKenzie"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2015-07-12T10:06:23Z"
modified: "2015-07-12T15:14:25Z"
---

# Villa Chase Barnsley Youngster

Aston Villa are close to completing a £1-million deal for Barnsley, defender, Mason Holgate.

The 18-year-old, who has already managed 20 first team starts for the League One outfit; is reportedly on Tim Sherwood’s shortlist, as he continues to strengthen his defence.

Despite the major step up from League One to the Premier League, [Gregg Evans of the Birmingham Mail](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-tim-sherwood-9594292) reports that the Tykes full back could be potentially the perfect compliment to Villa’s left-back target Jordan Amavi.

Villa have already snapped up a defender in Micah Richards, this summer as Tim Sherwood looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Holgate is one of the most highly-rated graduates of Barnsley’s youth system. The academy which has already produced the likes of Everton and England defender, John Stones.

The 18-year old has already rejected a new contract from the League One outfit putting Aston Villa on alert about his early availability with a year left to run on his contract.