Aston Villa will reportedly challenge Celtic for Welsh defender Tom James

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Championship giants Aston Villa and Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic are both fighting for Yeovil Town’s League Two ace Tom James.

Tom James has been a real bright spark in a very difficult season for Yeovil Town but it would be a big surprise if the Welsh right-back was still plying his trade at Huish Park next season.

The Independent claimed in March that James has emerged as a transfer target for Celtic in the summer.

The 21-year-old joined Yeovil from Cardiff City on a free in January 2017 and could strengthen Celtic’s defensive ranks with long-serving first-choice right-back Mikael Lustig declining notably of late.

But Celtic will face competition, because the Bristol Post is reporting that Championship duo Bristol City and Aston Villa are also keen on the former Wales U19 ace.

James can play anywhere across the backline and appears to have caught the eye of Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce, who has shown during his time with the Midland giants that he is not afraid to throw talented youngsters into the first-team if he feels they are good enough.

The likes of Andre Green, Keinan Davis and Josh Onomah have all played key roles in Aston Villa’s season.

And rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Celtic gives James a rather nice dilemma. He could be playing Premier League football with Villa next season should Bruce’s side win promotion via the play-offs and also has the opportunity of Champions League action at Celtic.