Aston Villa are believed to be in talks over a deal to sign Southend United youngster Charlie Kelman.
According to reports from Football Insider, Villa and Brentford are leading the race to sign the player, who has been impressing at youth level.
A number of other Championship and Premier League sides are believed to be monitoring his development.
The 16-year-old, who would be considered as one for the future, has been prolific in front of goal at youth level scoring 61 goals last season.
The player is yet to sign a professional deal with the Football League side with interest beginning to rise.
He has already featured for the club’s U23 side and has recently been called up to the US’s U18s national team, a sign of how highly he is rated.
Having already scored eight times this season, it will not be long until clubs begin to take note of Kelman’s form, so Villa will have to act quickly if they want to secure a deal.
