HITC Sport understands Aston Villa are closing in on defensive target.
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Barnsley’s highly-rated defender James Bree, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Bree’s future at Barnsley has been the subject of intense speculation this month with a number of clubs chasing his signature.
Barnsley’s James Bree (L) in action with Fleetwood Town’s David Henen
Several Premier League and Championship clubs have shown an interest in Bree, but Villa appear to be in pole position to land the full-back.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the country after impressing for Barnsley for the last couple of seasons.
James Bree – Barnsley
Bree has come through the ranks at Barnsley and has already made 60 appearances for the club despite his tender years.
Villas boss Steve Bruce has made a new right-back one of the top priorities this month with Ritchie de Laet sidelined and Alan Hutton struggling to convince and Bree has emerged as his top target.
Barnsley are reluctant to lose Bree, but with the player in the final six months of his contract at Oakwell they will find it hard to resist Villa’s bid for the defender.
Villa have made just one signing so far in this month’s transfer with Sam Johnstone arriving from Manchester United on loan and they are expected to be busy before the window closes.
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