Middlesbrough set to win the race for 16-year-old Swindon starlet Harley Hunt on a deal that could rise to £1.5million... after beating out Premier League competition for his signature

Middlesbrough look to have won the race for Swindon Town's highly-rated centre back Harley Hunt.

Premier League sides Aston Villa and Southampton have been following the 16-year old who broke into Swindon's first team last season.

The 6ft 3in defender can play in a back three as well as a back four and has also figured in midfield owing to his technical ability on the ball.

Hunt is one of several youngsters to have benefited from the set up at Swindon where, under head of football Jamie Russell, the accent is on giving youth a chance.

Boro, managed by Michael Carrick, believe Hunt has the potential to make the step up and push for a first team place.

Carrick's assistant first team coach Jonathan Woodgate, the former England Real Madrid centre back, is also understood to have played a part in convincing Hunt to make the move.

Talks are ongoing about the fee but Mail Sport understands it will be around £500,000 with a further £1million to follow. Hunt is expected to undergo a medical ahead of signing his contract.

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.