Aston Villa reportedly chasing young Irish striker Jonathan Afolabi after Southampton depature

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Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in free agent striker Jonathan Afolabi, who left Southampton this summer, according to Football.London.

They report that the 19-year-old hitman is hot property after deciding to leave St Mary’s in search of greater first-team opportunities, and is attracting attention from across Europe.

But Palace’s interest is apparently further down the line than Villa’s, as they have offered him a contract, and can perhaps offer him the first team chances he craves due to their thin striking options.

Afolabi enjoyed an impressive summer at the Under 19 European Championship, where he was part of the Ireland side who made it all the way to the semi-finals.

He showcased his talent on that grand stage, scoring the winner in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over the Czech Republic and the level of interest in his services shows what a talent he is.

Villa could still do with a wildcard striker to back up Wesley following the departure of Tammy Abraham and while stepping into the Premier League would be a major jump, Afolabi does look to have ability.

Convincing him to come to Villa Park would represent something of a coup, although it looks like they’ll have to come from behind in the chase with Palace among the clubs ahead of them at this moment in time.