Aston Villa and Southampton lead race to sign Swindon starlet Harley Hunt... as the Robins slap a £500,000 price tag on the 16-year-old defender

Aston Villa and Southampton are leading a number of clubs who are showing interest in Swindon Town's teenage centre back Harley Hunt.

The 16-year old has already made a handful of first team appearances after coming through the ranks of Swindon's academy.

A number of top flight clubs are taking note of Swindon's emerging youngsters especially after they made it through to the FA Youth Cup quarter finals this year, taking the scalp of Manchester United on the way.

Head of football Jamie Russell, who formerly worked at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, has played a key role in restructuring their youth programme and creating a pathway to the first team.

Hunt is already 6ft 3ins tall and is a ball playing centre back who can also play in midfield. He has figured in a back four and a three and looked equally comfortable.

He made three first team appearances for the League Two side in April and ended the season scoring twice for the club's U18s in a 6-2 win over Cheltenham, one after breaking into the box from midfield.

Villa and Southampton have taken note of his versatility and are considering making an offer for the teenage prospect though Swindon are expected to demand at least £500,000 with more in add ons.

Hunt isn't the only Swindon youngster attracting top flight attention.

Their 17-year old striker Botan Ameen was called up by Iraq to play for their U20s in the Asia Cup qualifiers this month and he has been watched recently by Manchester United and Wolves among others.