Aston Villa are in the race to sign Jonathan Afolabi, who is a free agent following his release from Southampton.
According to a report from Football London, the newly-promoted Premier League club are fighting a host of other sides for the striker’s signature.
Afolabi is an established international for the Republic of Ireland Under-19 team and is believed to be in high demand this summer.
Clubs from Spain and Russia are understood to have expressed respective interests in signing the 19-year-old, but attention from established clubs in England could be tempting for the forward.
Villa reportedly want to sign Afolabi, but if they are to do so, it seems they will face competition from Crystal Palace.
Football London reports that the Eagles are currently leading the race for the former Southampton youngster, with a contract offer already on the table for the player and his representatives to consider.
Afolabi impressed throughout his time with the Saints, showing signs of quality in the club’s well-esteemed youth academy before he departed in search of better first-team prospects this summer.
